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Greek Life is always a touchy topic of conversation, from common stereotypes and misconceptions to discretion. But I hold my organization close to my heart, and wanted to hit this very important part of my life.
Why Be Greek?
I chose to join my organization because I wanted to be apart of something greater with women that are like-minded and share a similar goal. I believe in the purpose of my organization and will go out of my way to uphold it. I also joined my organization for the sisterhood in which Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated holds very dearly. Everybody joins organizations for various reasons, but at the end of the day, no matter what organization, making a difference is what really matters.
As an only child, I grew up with one cousin and later was blessed with another one, but that is about it as far as blood relatives. But I thank God everyday for my best friend of the last nine years, who has been the closest thing I have ever had to a sister and through thick and thin, that will never change. When it came time to join my organization, I knew sisterhood would be a major factor when it came time to seeking membership. Having people to always have your back, people you can depend on, and people who share similar goals as you for a LIFETIME. My organization makes it a point to include an entire section on sisterhood on the international website, mentioning "Each sister must make it a personal goal to foster sisterly relations..." If you know you will never be a good sister/brother to others in your potential organization then you don't need to join it, because with sororities and fraternities there isn't supposed to be selfishness or isolation, they are about support, motivation, and love. As an adult, there should be no reason for unsisterly/unbrotherly actions.
Joining for the WRONG reasons
The biggest problem I see with people joining Greek organizations, is joining for the wrong reasons. Joining for popularity or just "to see if you can make it" blows my mind. If you somehow make it into an organization and you did it for the wrong reasons then that will be extremely evident. If you haven't done any community service this semester, but make your way to every party, you did it for the wrong reasons. When joining an organization it should be bigger than just where you are now in undergrad, you should be thinking if in the long run you can uphold the ideals.
I have witnessed people join organizations (Greek & Non-Greek) and do nothing for the organization. They would attend a meeting here and there and be "T-Shirt wearers", something I don't respect. Why commit to something if you aren't going to give it your all? This requires a time (and financial) commitment, sacrifices, and prioritizing. No matter what organization you join, that organization should become apart of you, something you think about when you wake up, something you want to make sure is the best it can be. For my organization I will always go to bat, if something needs to be done, I'll make sure it gets done, if someone needs something, I'll do my best to make sure they get it. I'll lose sleep and lose money if it means my organization is getting what it deserves. If you did not join your organization to be the difference on campus or in the community AND give it yourALL then maybe you should rethink your membership.
I have not been a member of my organization for long, but I know what is instilled deep down within me and what I knew I would pursue over ten years ago. I have achieved my goal, and plan on making my organization proud through service and achievements. I am forever grateful for the opportunity of membership, and will always hold Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated close to my heart.
If you plan on pursuing membership into any sorority or fraternity I recommend doing thorough research, and evaluating what you truly stand for as a individual above all else. I have not been a member of my organization for long, but I know what is instilled deep down within me and what I knew I would pursue over ten years ago. I have achieved my goal, and plan on making my organization proud through service and achievements. I am forever grateful for the opportunity of membership, and will always hold Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated close to my heart. If you plan on pursuing membership into any sorority or fraternity I recommend doing thorough research, and evaluating what you truly stand for as a individualabove all else.