Four years ago, when I was starting my journey into college, I thought Greek life was synonymous with a party lifestyle and would be the worst idea for me if I was serious about going to law school. My perspective quickly changed when my roommate convinced me to go to a rush event.
I rapidly learned throughout my pledge period that being Greek was an amazing opportunity. Never before had I been a part of an organization or a community that prided itself on doing so many things, and all of them well. Greeks at NSU total thousands of community service hours and raise thousands of dollars for a number of charities — like the M.S Society, Prevent Child Abuse America and the National Kidney Foundation, just to name a few. So many great causes are fought for with such a passion for doing something good for others.
On top of that, the foremost foundation of Greek life is the brotherhood or sisterhood that accompanies the experience today and the rest of a member’s life.
When I became a “pledge” — a common term for a brand new member — one of my new brothers told me something that I found rather cheesy: I would meet the future best man of my wedding through my fratenity. I laughed and thought to myself that such a bold prediction was probably not true.
Four years later, I now see the absolute truth in my friend’s words. Greek life connects you with friends that will be in your life forever. They truly become your brothers or your sisters. And not just in your chapter. Going Greek helps you become part of a national — or in some cases an international — organization that has thousands of living members and alumni that would help you at the drop of a hat, just because you share the same letters.
Going Greek is also one of the easiest ways to stand out here at NSU and later when you’re searching for a job. Being Greek is one of the best ways to develop leadership skills and put them to good use. According to the University of Cornell, almost half of all U.S. Presidents were in fraternities and 30 percent of all Fortune 500 company CEOs are members of a Greek organization.
Plus, being a member of Greek life connects you to so many people across the nation. Seeing the Greek experience instantly tells your hopeful employer you know how to be a leader, how to work well with others and that you most likely possess good event planning and time management skills.
Going Greek wasn’t my first choice; as I said, I was very hesitant to even rush. But now as my undergraduate time is coming to end, I carry with me no regrets about my time in the Greek community. I have met some of my best friends, traveled across the state and country, and made connections that will benefit me long after my college days are over.
