The people propelling sorority life
The five fraternities and three sororities that have chapters at USU are taking pledges next week. This means students will have the opportunity to find out what exists beyond the stereotypes in the movies and try to become members of one of the organizations, if they so choose. And what better way to hear about sorority or fraternity life than from a few of the adults who work with them?
Vanessa Garcia has been the adviser for the Alpha Chi Omega chapter for two years and said she joined the sorority as an undergraduate at USU.
Garcia said she didn’t really know about sororities when she first experienced the recruitment process. Her knowledge was limited to the typical negative stories that cultivate on campuses everywhere. After learning more about her sorority, she realized it was a lot more diverse than she had originally thought.
“I was from about five hours away, and as a minority student I wanted to have a real college experience. Through the sorority I was connected to campus and to new people,” Garcia said. “For people who want to have that real college experience and get involved with campus, and new people, it is a very positive experience.”
She said that her experiences as an undergrad are the reason she is now giving her time to the organization as an adviser.
Garcia said she was particularly impressed with the amount of leadership the women, and “Greeks” in general, took part in. She said that over the years this involvement — particularly as leaders of various ASUSU positions — has only increased.
The house parents (adult authority figures) of the Kappa Delta sorority said they were also surprised by how much goes on in a sorority house. McKinzie and Clair Hawkins, a married LDS couple, were not involved with such organizations until this year, when they became house parents. The Hawkinses both said they have found the experience to be enlightening and enjoyable.
“All the girls are really nice. People have a kind of misinterpretation about sororities,” Clair Hawkins said. “We didn’t have any idea — just what’s in the movies — but its nothing like that. The girls are all very studious, way more studious than it would be in a dorm.”
Clair Hawkins said he considers the on-campus location to be an advantage to the girls, as well as safer.
The couple agreed, they have really enjoyed that after only a week or so with the girls, they have developed a relationship with them. McKinzie Hawkins said the unity of the women, the cheers they do and the way they greet their “mom and dad” are all impressive.
She said she has been amazed at the hours of practice the girls have put into preparing for Rush Week. The Hawkinses both agreed that it was rewarding to have the women be so appreciative of what they do.
Working with sorority members does have its challenges. Garcia said the hardest part for her is finding the balance between being there for them with help and advice, and when to let the group take the lead. Garcia said each new chapter and group of women has their own way of doing things.
For Clair Hawkins the hardest part, he said, comes from worrying about the women. There are around 40 Kappa Delta members, currently, and having worked with them, he said he is definitely protective of them. McKinzie Hawkins agreed, she said they hope everything will be okay with the girls.
Clair Hawkins said he hadn’t realized the extent of how much service the different sorority organizations perform. He said the girls are involved in a lot of philanthropic causes, which he finds impressive.
Garcia said these organizations can involve everybody, giving students a chance to serve, lead and network around campus.
— genevieve.draper@aggiemail.usu.edu