Let me begin by saying, being in a sorority has been one of
the greatest experiences of my life. This is not an exaggeration, I have no
doubt that being a part of Phi Sigma Sigma – Delta Omega has changed my life.
Now, I know what you may be thinking, “every member of Greek
Life says that” but the fact is, that it is truly nothing less than the truth
for most Greeks, from cultural organizations to social ones, being Greek is an
honor and privilege most of us are grateful we have.
Since graduating with my master’s this past May, I have
realized (more than I had during my education) that people outside of Greek
Life don’t understand the bond that Greeks share with their brothers or
sisters, or fellow Greeks for that matter.
People outside the walls of Greek life have many
preconceived ideas about what sorority or fraternity life is, and as citizen of
this nation, they have a right to have those beliefs.
Conversely, I have the right to combat their misconceptions
with my reality.
Greek life is not about parties or formals, or buying your
friends; or belittling our new members, it truly is about friendship and
unconditional love.
When you join a Greek Lettered organization, you are joining
a group of men or women with like-minded ideals and beliefs. You are joining a
family that provides the opportunities to allow you to grow and prosper; you
are creating bonds with people and forming relationships that will last you a
lifetime.
That is the truth about Greek life that every non-Greek
seems to miss. It so easy for people on the other side of the Greek letters to only
see and believe the superficial and negative connotations associate with Greek
Life, and miss the underlining values that foster Greek Life organization.
That being said, it is important for Greeks to show others
the true meaning of Greek Life to help change the way Greek Life is perceived.
