Greek Life Is Not What You Think It Is

Posted by Andy Cunningham on October 7, 2014 at 3:08 PM

I've mentioned before that I'm involved in a lot of things at Fitchburg State. One of the things I am most proud to be a part of is Greek life.

It's funny to think about when I came to Fitchburg State as a freshman, I was sure of one thing; I was not joining a fraternity. In my mind, that kind of organization just wasn't for someone like me. I was independent and didn't need something like "brotherhood" or any of that stuff. It just wasn't for me. Now, having become involved with a fraternity, I cannot imagine my life without it.

You don't just join an organization, you join Greek life

Everyone who is currently involved as an active member of Greek life will say that yes, you join a single organization, but in reality, you're joining a greater community. It is made up of five organizations; three sororities (Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Phi Sigma Sigma) and two fraternities (Sigma Tau Gamma and Sigma Pi).

By joining a fraternity or sorority, you are joining a demographic of this campus that supports each other very heavily and is very tightknit. We interact with each other on a daily basis. We have meals together all the time, go to each other's events as well as form life-long friendships. Some people may see this as "cliquey" or "closed off." This is not the case. The Greek community is very friendly and we're constantly looking for new people, interested in joining us.

Greek Life during Greek Week 2014!

You will get to know some of the greatest people 

I speak for everyone in Greek Life when I say that I've met some of the greatest people through my involvement. Some of my best friends are in my organization. These are the people I want to be with for the rest of my life. I love the fact that I can be myself (whoever that is on that particular day) and still be loved and accepted. Between my brothers and sisters, I have gained so much confidence in myself. That confidence has come from associating with people who have experienced the same things I have.

Hanging out during an event!

Greek life allows you to learn how to be a positive mentor

I was given the honor of getting to be a big brother this semester. What that means is for one of the men that wants to join our fraternity, I get to be his mentor and help teach him everything about our organization. Not only that, but I get to be there for all of his personal and life achievements. It really is like being a big brother to a biological sibling. The only difference is the last name.

I've grown extremely close to my little brother and I can't wait to see the man he becomes and all he accomplishes. He is a brother within the brotherhood. I'm not the only one who feels this way. All the members of fraternities and sororities love the ability to meet new people, craving that relationship, be it a little brother or a little sister.

My little brother and I out to dinner!

Overall, I am part of an amazing community of people who share similar values and beliefs, give back to the community, and enjoy doing it together. It is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made and I don't regret a second of it.

Are you a member of Greek life? How has it changed your life? 

Topics: Student Experience