COLUMN: Find self-improvement by rushing Greek
Want to know a dirty secret about USU’s fraternities and sororities? The truth is the Greeks are probably different than you think they are. When I told one of my mission companions last week that I was in a fraternity, he began extolling the evils of alcohol before I had the chance to stop him. Even after I explained to him that we weren’t like the movie characters that have come to define America’s campus Greeks, he still sends me text messages warning me against a life he is convinced I am living.
The misinformation and misconceptions about fraternities has been a bee in the bonnet of Greek students everywhere. This is especially unethical to me because so many students at USU feel their religion is misjudged because of the face put on by popular media, yet they themselves judge the fraternities and sororities by the same means they object to.
Did you know that the Kappa Deltas enjoy making crafts? Did you know Sigma Phi Epsilons don’t pledge to join? Did you know that Alpha Chi Omega was founded by musicians? Did you know USU’s Theta Nu Xi chapter was the first outside of North Carolina? Did you know Sigma Chi’s alumni include Jon M. Huntsman Sr.?
There are a lot of truths to learn about the fraternities and sororities. Just ask them. Last week at my fraternity we were saying “hi” to students as they walk past. Often, people ignore us thinking we are being asinine, but in reality we are being friendly. The people who stop and talk to us for a while usually end up going on a tour of our house, and always leave with a new positive view of fraternities.
Each fraternity and sorority has a unique feel and set of traditions. Each attracts a different kind of student, but all of them have some things in common. Service is a major component of USU’s Greek chapters. Last year, USU Greeks raised thousands of dollars for multiple noble charities. From a Triathlon for Cache Valley’s Make a Wish Foundation, to staging fake arrests to help women escape domestic abuse, many good people are helped by USU Greek efforts.
Going Greek means acquiring a group of people who support you. Whether it is making positive choices in life, getting help studying, or finding somebody to roadtrip with you; going Greek means gaining support.
Personally, the greatest benefit I felt from going Greek was getting an extra challenge in life. My brothers push me to get better grades, run farther and faster than I ever have, and give more of myself to service than I ever did before.
Last year, USU student Jen Howard wrote in The Statesmen, “Most of the time, students at Utah State bash Greek Society instead of thanking them for their service they provide. If I had known and understood Greek society when I started college at 20, I might have rushed. However, my own graduation looms upon me when I realize I’ve missed out on a chance to become a better person.”
I encourage all USU students to take some time this week to attend a few Rush activities and find out what fraternities and sororities are really like. Who knows, you might even like it.