Doing My Best
Jul 24, 2017 · 7 min read

Before starting college, I had a preconceived idea about Greek life which caused me to believe I would never join such a pompous organization. As a freshman, I was eager to join clubs and activities similar to what I participated in during high school. There came a point during my first semester in college, in which all of my friends decided to sign up for spring recruitment and find their perfect sorority. Forced with the decision to follow in my friend’s footsteps or to remain a GDI (independent of Greek life), I decided to take my own path and not follow the trend. Ultimately, I did not want to become a sorority girl which the media and movies negatively portrayed.

I believed, presumably along with many others, that Greek life encompassed a group of snobby, stuck up people who were only concerned about attending the coolest parties and climbing up the social ladder. The media and movies make Greek life notorious for drugs, alcohol, and the indigenous pledging process. At the time, the only information I had about Greek life was from movies or the media. I never interacted with a sorority member; therefore, my preconceived idea was negatively founded on others beliefs and undesirable portrayal of Greek life. Also, I could not imagine myself being like one of the actresses in the movies and only caring about boys and parties.

Another entity of Greek life I did not understand was how someone could be friends with a group of people after being “hazed”. My interpretation of hazing was that it consisted of an initiation process which evoked embarrassment and harassment. As a GDI, I heard horror stories about hazing and what the sorority does in order to initiate you into their chapter. Hazing, coupled with the idea of paying for friends, made no sense to me. Why would I want to pay money for friends who humiliated me in order to initiate me into their chapter? For this reason, I was confused to why my newfound friends would want to be a part of such an organization.

As months passed and my friends became sisters of particular sororities, I was given the opportunity to interact with the different chapters. At first, I was completely reluctant to socialize with them. I did not want to associate with ditzy, boy-loving girls portrayed in movies. When my friends finally convinced me to attend one of their sorority functions, it became evident my perception of Greek life was wrong. The stigma that comes with the word Greek life, is truly fictional. The activities portrayed in the movies House Bunny, Neighbors, and American Pie did not actually occur in real life. Greek life is not one giant party, but so much more. After learning about and interacting with the Greek system, I saw first-hand these stereotypes were not true. Listening to other people’s opinions caused me to become negatively swayed by the preconceived ideas I had about Greek life and stigma attached to it.

In fact, things are not always as they seem and it is our perception which sets the foundation that shapes our thought process and views on different ideas. My preconceived idea was Greek life had only negative effects and embodied characteristics which I believed did not hold up to my standards. By interacting with members of Greek life I was able to experience all of the positives Greek life had to offer, ultimately changing my perception. My interactions with members allowed me to formulate my own thoughts and opinions about the Greek system. I learned it is relevant to be a part of Greek life and made the decision to join Phi Sigma Sigma (Phi Sig). My sorority opened countless doors for me and provided me with ample opportunities to grow. Perception being what it is, I would have never joined Greek life based of what I had previously believed.

Eventually, I learned sororities and fraternities developed as a result of secret meetings held by students in order to discuss topics school faculty did not find appropriate. These organizations share the same characteristics as today’s Greek life including a motto, ritual, badge, and bond. Although sororities and fraternities changed throughout the years, their ideals, traditions, and brotherhood continued to be the backbone which brings them all together. While participating in the new member process I learned Phi Sigma Sigma is one of the many sororities which preferred to be called a women’s fraternity. Over the years, fraternities changed from strictly scholastic organizations and began to embrace social qualities, but are all still founded on the principles of community service, leadership, and academic achievement.

Notably, Greek life has become an integral part of the college experience in America as well as many other countries. Throughout the years many new sororities and fraternities have been created. Last year Towson University added new chapters on campus in order to be able to meet the growing demand and popularity of Greek life. Each chapter has their own unique values, beliefs, and rituals which they uphold. It became evident the multitude of different types of Greek organizations allows for diverse types of people to find a sorority or fraternity to accommodate their needs and expectations.

Each of the different sororities and fraternities on campus is centered around their philanthropy. The chapters work diligently to raise money, volunteer, and spread awareness for their particular philanthropy. Although sororities and fraternities each have a nationally recognized philanthropy, it is not uncommon for chapters to raise money for other organizations that are important to another brother or sister. At Towson University, Greek life has a certain sense of unity. Chapters work together to help raise money for each other philanthropies and participate in each other’s events. It became evident all of Greek life supported each other and joining one sorority did not mean you were stuck to a particular group of people. Does this sound like an agenda that boy-loving, party girls would enjoy?

What I realized is how Greek life is defined by the bond of sisterhood or brotherhood shared within each chapter. It allows me to become a part of something bigger than myself. Also having national chapters allows members to have connections almost anywhere. Even if you were not in the same chapter at the same school, your fellow brothers and sisters are always willing to lend a helping hand. There are numerous Phi Sig Facebook pages in which alumni from different schools constantly post jobs, internships, and other career tips. I used my Phi Sig connections to secure a nanny position which helps offset my college expenses.

Additionally, the Greek system was created to further more than just social interest of its members, but also help with their scholastic and professional interests. I have seen chapters on Towson University’s campus encourage their members to uphold a high standard of leadership in their activities, to encourage, and to inspire others to strive for similar attainment. Greek life ultimately brings people together to mold and uphold the sentiment of each sorority and fraternity. Through being a part of a sorority I learned the importance of character, leadership, service, responsibility, scholarship, and sisterhood.

One of my favorite aspects about being part of a sorority is its family characteristics. Joining Phi Sig allowed me to have a family away from home. Quality time is spent together participating in our philanthropic events, weekly meetings, and other campus chapter’s events. No matter how big or small the favor, I know I can count on any of my sisters to help me. Another perk of being in a sorority is the big sister/little sister bond (big/little). Although you may not believe it, big and little are more than just labels. My big, Mel, has taken me under her wing and became my role model. A big is someone for a little to look up to and depend on. Bigs and littles are always there for each other and know one another better than anyone else. When I finally became a big, my little, Gab, became someone I was proud to call my friend. At first, I did not know my little very well. As I got to know everything about Gab I felt a sense of responsibility to look out for her. I took what I learned from my big and taught it to my little, ultimately teaching my little to be a better version of herself and strive to be a well-rounded, confident woman. The relationship I developed with my big and little is a privilege and irreplaceable bond that I share with them.

All things considered, I am glad my perception of the Greek community changed for the better. Perception, this one word, ten letters, and three syllables allowed me to appreciate an organization I would not have normally engaged in due to the negative stigma attached to its name. I was able to give back to the Towson community, find my voice, and become a better person. Over the last three years, I was given numerous opportunities to show my leadership skills and leave my mark on something bigger than myself. I found my family away from home and have made unforgettable friendships. I am glad that my perception of Greek life changed because being part of a sorority has ultimately shaped the person which I have become. Greek life is more than the letters you wear, it’s about the experience, bond, and lifelong sisterhood.

Carrot & Stick

A Place to Practice the Art of Persuasion

Doing My Best

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Carrot & Stick

A Place to Practice the Art of Persuasion

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