Should You Go Greek? (Part 2): 5 REAL Reasons Why I Don't Regret Doing So

For “Should You Go Greek (Part 1): Commonly Asked Questions,” see http://blog.uloop.com/2012/07/should-you-go-greek-part-1-commonly-asked-questions/

When I was an incoming freshmen at Tufts University, the last thing I was thinking about was whether or not I should get involved in Greek life.  Fellow Uloop Writer Caroline Hughes from FSU knew she wanted to from the get-go, while UCF’s Brittany Tai didn’t.  I wasn’t necessarily a “hater” of the system, I just figured there was no advantage or need for me to be in a fraternity.

During that first rush week I couldn’t be more disconnected or oblivious of the process if I tried.  Everything I knew about what a fraternity was came from going to parties.  Most times, if I even bothered to differentiate one from another, I simply referred to them as “the one with the red door” or “(enter name)’s frat.”  All I knew, or thought I knew, was that they were dirty, grimy (yes that’s different from dirty), dark, sweaty, crowded places to get free booze.

I can’t admit to having a startling revelation or a sudden desire to be in a fraternity when I decided to pledge the fall of sophomore year.  I had one solid friend in the fraternity and had no idea what to expect (except of course the terribly over-exaggerated  rumors or completely made-up stories that get tossed around).  My pledge class was small, and even though I had nothing to gauge it from, I rather liked it that way.  Pledging affected my life in college, but only in the best ways possible.  It was, as many will tell you, the best worst semester of my life.  I went through unforgettable moments with my pledge class, moments that will bind us forever.  And I have a moment of “why the hell not” to thank for all that.

It isn’t hard for me to look back and admit I would do it all again.  A fraternity, or at least mine, really is a brotherhood.  Just being part of an extended family, especially your pledge class, with whom you experienced so much; you can’t help but build a bond.  I don’t know.  Maybe I’m getting over-sentimental.

If you felt like everything I just said was nonsense, then you’re entitled to that opinion.  I didn’t very much believe any of that talk, even after a few weeks as a brother and it hadn’t yet set in what I had just gained.  That sort of feeling takes time, understandably.  For that reason, here are 5 concrete ways Greek life has changed my college experience for the better.

1. I have been able to pursue an executive board position within the fraternity, which has impressed on job applications and given me real-life administrative experience.

2. I am now a board member on the IGC (Inter-Greek Council) which gives me a real voice in the school community and even wider-scale experience.

3. I meet tons of people (not just girls, but those too) through fraternity parties, fundraisers, and events.

4. I have been a part of philanthropy events which have directly benefited the ALS Association, the East Somerville Community School, the Ngobe Women of Panama, and the American Cancer Society, among others.

5. I actively look for opportunities in life with confidence instead of waiting for them to come to me because I now know that time management and life management are one in the same.  Now that I see how positively joining has affected me, I make sure I don’t miss out on other chances.  For instance, I directly accredit my applying as a Campus Editor at Uloop to my becoming a brother.