One of the most common myths associated with Greek life is that all they do party. So often, people look past what all Greek life actually does and offers for those involved. On a college campus, joining a sorority offers unparalleled opportunities for members to engage in all kinds of activities, including themed parties, theatrical productions, fundraisers, Homecoming Week, and so much more. Many students who decide to go Greek have a stronger presence on campus, participate in more leadership opportunities, and build a deeper commitment to public service than their classmates.
All partying and no intelligence is a common stereotype associated with Greek life. One thing to keep in mind is how sororities focus on academic success. Functions like mixers, date parties, and formals are not parties that are required or forced upon members, but are awarded to those who demonstrate good academic standing. All sororities have a GPA requirement, and plenty of opportunities to help each member achieve this goal. The Greek community offers study groups and tutoring times as a whole, as well as each individual chapter hosts study hours to assist members in their academic achievement. In fact, sorority members generally have higher grades and better retention rates.
85% of Fortune 500 executives were part of Greek life. The first female astronaut was Greek, so was the first female senator, and college graduation rates are 20% higher among Greeks than non-Greeks. WOW!! Some of the most intelligent and successful people are Greek. Not to mention there is a higher percentage of Greek than non Greek residing in our Student Government Association today!
Being involved in a sorority for 3 years now I have seen just how much Greek functions can benefit the campus and community. I realize from an outsider looking in it seems as if these parties are only hosted for entertainment and fun, but they offer so much more. A lot parties hosted by Greek life are to benefit a philanthropy. According to the most recent 2013-2014 National Panhellenic Council annual report, sorority women from across the nation raised over $5.7 million for philanthropies and reported nearly 1 million hours of community service in the last academic year alone.
The year I was social chair I got the opportunity to plan and coordinate all events that were hosted by my sorority. This job taught me hard work, organization skills, and most importantly safety precautions. The common misconception is that Greeks not only party, but these parties are destructive and dangerous environments. On the contrary, social events hosted by greek life have been found to be safer than parties off campus. The University is very involved with these functions to ensure the safest environment possible for those in attendance. There is a ton of behind the scenes work that goes into these parties such as, presenting an agenda to the university, allocating a team of risk management within the sorority, and hiring university police to safeguard the party.
I love being Greek!! Personally, my favorite part of Greek life is the people I've met through it and through the functions and parties Greek life hosts. I never would have met or talked to so many girls in my chapter had I not joined or been involved in my sorority. I've grown so much as a person already through this amazing opportunity and I wouldn't change my decision for the world.
Going Greek is not just good is GREAT! When you get down to the bottom of it, being Greek is something amazing and everyone should be able to say they are proud of their letters. I try to encourage everyone I know to try out Greek life, go Greek!
Written by Guest Writer, Whitney Rivers; Edited by UNA Panhellenic
