Top Reasons Why Sororities Are Valuable

Over the past few weeks the leaders of the Greek community of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo have been seriously evaluating the value of Greek life on campus.  As Vice President of Communications for Alpha Omicron Pi, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this process.  Regrettably, the incident that sparked this change from within was the death of Carson Starkey, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledge, who was hazed to death from an alcohol related activity.  This past Saturday, February 7, the executive board members of every Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association organization came together for the first ever Greek Academy.  We analyzed what was good about each of our organizations, what was hazardous and formed action plans to change these unsafe aspects.  Being a part of this great opportunity for change for Greek life has inspired me to share my strong feelings of love and gratitude for my sorority experience. 

Being Greek has shaped who I am today.  It has empowered me to make bold choices in my life, to stand up for what I believe in, and to be an active member of the world around me.  I didn’t join a sorority my freshman year.  To be honest I hadn’t ever considered it before college, I just didn’t think it was for me.  Going through the rush process was a crazy, overwhelming experience that I am so thankful I did.  I found a group of girls who I am bonded to on a whole different level than all my other friends.  At Alpha Omicron Pi we are all about sisterhood, respect, achievement, and unconditional love.  I don’t mean to get all mushy-gushy but these girls whom I now call my sisters are my support system away from home; they are my family. 

Being Greek means being part of something bigger than yourself.  You have a sense of belonging and family, you share bonds that are unbreakable.  Wearing my letters makes me a role model and I enthusiastically embrace this role.  Leadership opportunities provided by sororities offer unparalleled experience in responsibility and accountability.  I have learned so much by taking charge and realizing that I can make a difference; I can be the change I want to see in Cal Poly.  I am amazed by the potential in my sisters and myself and am inspired by each of my sisters who always have my back. 

Greek life is the ultimate maximization of the college experience.  It is the all-encompassing entity that makes me whole.  As a freshman I didn’t really know where I belonged.  I had an amazing group of friends, but that wasn’t enough for me.  I knew I wanted to become involved in campus activities and in the community but never knew how to go about it.  I never had that extra push to get-up and initiate something.  My sorority is that extra push that helps me accomplish everything I want to accomplish.   

It hurts me deeply when members of the community can’t see all the good that stems form Greek life.  I wish I could speak to every person who holds a solely negative opinion about Greek life and change his or her perception.  I know that there are detrimental aspects about Greek life that need to change but I firmly believe that we, as the Greek community, have the power and will to change.