Greetings from Washington DC

 

Last month I was in Washington DC surrounded by over 100 students from many Greek organizations. It was amazing. I went to Capitol Hill and got to meet with so many people who were part of Greek organizations in college and are now working along side Congress and the Senate. It’s really remarkable to see what being in a Greek organization can do for you. I know during recruitment people are always saying that going Greek gives great networking opportunities, and that’s true but more so, it helps you make steps to get into your career after college.  I spoke to so many people about when they were active in their chapters, they took on leadership positions and were very active in their volunteer work. This got them to see what they wanted to do after college. You get more from your organization with how much you put into your organization.

" Don't think about failing, just go for it. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game " - A Cinderella Story

Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that.

1.       Run for a leadership position-Nothing says I want to get involved with my chapter more than taking on a leadership positon. It challenges you in ways you never thought possible. I suggest taking on a position that is close to what you want to do after college. For me I ran for scholarship chair because I want to become a teacher.

2.       Ask if you can sit in on meetings with your Executive Board/Council-Its like being the stage crew for a big Broadway musical. You get to see the behind the scenes work and what it takes to make an amazing organization.

3.       Volunteer just to volunteer-Don’t do it for the hours. Do it because you love to help others. With me I love to volunteer with education because I want to become a teacher after college. Not to mention I also love to work with animals. With me I love to volunteer in education, I got an internship on campus where I help high school, middle school and elementary students excited for college, and give them the support they need!

4.       Help out with recruitment-This is the craziest and most wonderful time of the year. This means your recruitment chair/chairs will need lots of help to make sure everything runs smoothly and goes perfect.

5.       Join a committee-In your chapter there are usually committees that go along with the many positions your sorority has to offer in leadership positions.

6.       Look into other student organizations- This is one I really recommend because knowing what your campus has to offer you will really open up doors for you. Especially when your part of a Greek organization. For me, I got an internship on campus with Associated Students where I help out with workshops and campus tours. I’m not only helping my community and school but also promoting getting involved with Greek life.

7. Become a Big Sister-When I first decided I wanted to become a big I had no idea what to expect. I had always wanted a little sister but little did I know it became so much more than that. My two amazing little sisters have made me a better version of myself. And also they have given me two also amazing grand little sisters. Becoming a Big is more than a title its about being a mentor them and also yourself. Best choice ever!

Side note from my DC trip: This was an amazing experience, I not only got to meet so many Greeks but also got to meet three amazing other women who I am proud and honored to call my sisters. Remembering that its not just four years, its for life!

What's Beyond the Cup?

I was scrolling through my news feed the other day and I came across a picture that really caught my attention. 

Now to some, this may seem like just a huge jumble of craziness that doesn't make sense, but to the Greek community, it means a lot. 

There are a lot of stereotypes that surround Greeks. We pay for our friends, we drink to much, we haze, we treat others poorly, we come from wealthy families....this list can go on. But in reality, these are mostly the epitome of a "stereotype" and they aren't true. 

There's always going to be some that ruin it for everyone. So there may be a chapter that gets caught hazing, but others shouldn't be condemned for those bad choices. And to say we pay for our friends is always a laugh considering most of our dues go to having fun bonding activities like movie and bowling nights, keeping up with home repairs of the house we all use and meet in, and hosting philanthropy events....which is just the use of any other club dues that don't have a greek affiliation. Are they paying for their friends too? 

Putting those stereotypes aside, the much bigger ones that bother me are that Greek members are as I once read on the lovely Yik Yak  "immature alcoholics who barely participate in school and wouldn't survive without daddy's money" 

Well first, I'll stop you right there because many girls in my chapter, myself included, work to pay our dues ourselves. So the last point is irrelevant. 

And if we want to get into the scholastic and immature part, let's go ahead and break some numbers out. 

1. 20% more Greeks graduate from

College than non-Greeks. 

2. The Greek system is the largest network of volunteers in the United States. 

3. The overall Greek GPA is higher then the normal collegiate GPA. 

4. Of the 50 largest companies, 43 are lead by Greeks. 

5. Both women that have been elected to the Supreme Court were sorority women. 

6. 76% of the U.S. senators are Greek. 

7. All but 2 presidents since 1825, have been fraternity members. 

8. 85% of Fortune 500 company executives are Greek members. 

9. Greek donate over 7 million dollars to charity every single year. 

10. And to end, here are some sorority and fraternity members you may just recognize. 

     Brad Pitt

     Condelecza Rice 

     Alicia Keys 

     Babe Ruth 

     Every member of Apollo 11 

     Sophia Bush

     Steven Spielberg

     Rosa Parks

     Elvis Presley 

     Georgia O'Keefe

     Pope John Paul II 

     Frank Sinatra 

     Katie Couric 

     Michael Jordan 

     John Wayne 

     Chuck Norris

     Kate Spade 

 and.....

     Martin Luther King Jr.

Just to list a few. 

I'm not going to lie. Being in a Greek organization does have a big "party" aspect, but at the end of the day, Greek affiliates have a lot more to offer then we really are given credit for. 

So I think it really is time, to look past the cup.