Greek Life - It's Not All That Bad

I typically don't openly admit to people that I was in a sorority. It's not that I'm ashamed of that fact, I just don't want the stereotypes that come with it. But after the recent (yes, I know I'm a little behind) incident regarding the UVA rape article published by the Rolling Stone, I feel obligated to defend Greek organizations. While the magazine retracted the article because the story was comprised of fallacies, the negative image associated with that fraternity, campus, and Greek organizations as a whole, is not so easily retractable.

I will never forget the look on friends and family members' faces when I told them I was pledging a sorority (Alpha Gamma Delta). It was kind of a surprised look like "Oh!? You don't seem the type." The type? What type?

For whatever reasons, Greeks get a bad rap. From what I've gathered, sorority stereotypes include but are not limited to party girls, sluts, drunks, ditsy, bitches, snotty rich girls, etc. I'm not saying I never met a sorority girl who didn't met one of these stereotypes,  but I don't think it's fair to classify ALL sorority girls as such. Aren't there people who fit those descriptions in any clique?

I can't grasp where these stereotypes originated, though. The only conclusion I can reach is that members of Greek organizations have been ruined by their reputation as portrayed in movies, television and the media. It's not just sororities, either. Fraternities probably have a worse rap, as displayed by the accusations against UVA's Phi Kappa Psi.

So why? Why these stereotypes? Anyone who's been involved in Greek life knows there's so much more to it than the petty misconceptions.

Academics

Have you ever noticed that movies about Greek life rarely, if ever show people studying? Believe it or not, each Greek member must maintain a certain grade point average. If they fail to meet the set standards, they cannot actively participate in the organization's functions until their grades improve. Study tables, they're not just for athletes, folks!

Leadership

Every Greek organization has leadership roles in which a member is voted into a position. President, Vice President, VP of Finance, etc. Each person nominated to a role is expected to meet the criteria set forth upon accepting their position. If they fail to perform their duties, they will have it stripped from them.

If you look at some of the leaders in different industries today, you'd probably be surprised to know that many of them were in a Greek organization. Stephen Spielberg, Michael Jordan, George W. Bush, and Tim McGraw are just a few.

Philanthropy

Every Greek organization affiliates themselves with some type of philanthropic organization. Currently, Alpha Gamma Delta works with the American Diabetes Association to expand diabetes awareness and education. Every year our sorority hosted events in which we would raise money to donate to the philanthropy we were supporting at the time. As college students we didn't always have the money, though, so we learned to share our talents with our spare time.

Through AGD, we were encouraged to participate in other forms of donation. Every fall girls from the chapter would volunteer to rake leaves for the elderly in the community through Rake-A-Difference, an event put on by Northwood University.  There was a Salvation Army Christmas party in which each organization welcomed grade school kids and participated in different activities like decorating cookies, coloring, etc. These are just two of the many events our chapter participated in.

Community

When you're in a Greek organization, you have an immediate sense of belonging. You have a group of peers with whom, to some degree, you share interests and beliefs. There is always a shoulder to cry on and someone to laugh with. But it also opens the doors to so much more.

There was also a sense of friendship between the other sororities and fraternities on campus. Yes, when it came to things like Greek week we were enemies, but we always supported one another. If the Chi's were sponsoring a volleyball tournament, you better believe the Gams and DZs, and every fraternity were there to participate. And the favor was returned.

Greek life got me involved both on campus and in the Midland community. It was through my sorority I was encouraged to get involved with Big Brother Big Sisters and also volunteered to participate in Christmas Caroling at the local botanical gardens. 

Networking

Through my sorority I was forced into situations in which I knew no one and came out with new friends. Every year, all the members of AGD chapters within the state of Michigan got together for a luncheon to recognize academic achievement and enjoy each other's company.

 During my time as president I was fortunate enough to attend convention in St. Louis, MO and meet Alpha Gam members both young and old and share stories and experiences. And finally, before graduating, I interviewed as a Leadership Consultant. I interviewed with about 20 other girls to compete for spots to work with AGD chapters across the country. And even though we were all fighting for the same spots, that did not stop us from building friendships.

Now I'm not going to pretend like some of the stereotypes aren't true. Yes, Greeks party. Yes, some chapters may haze. Yes, there is drama involved. But aren't those things true of any collegiate organization? If you went and surveyed a college football team, I would imagine they would tell you they experience the same. And if they said otherwise, I would be willing to put money down that they're lying. So why are the Greeks the only ones shamed for these behaviors?

Just as much good comes from Greek members as "bad". I wouldn't trade my time as an active member of AGD for anything. The life-long lessons, friendships, and memories, outweigh the stigmas, stereotypes, and misconceptions.