Two years ago, I was riding on a water ferry in Lake Como, Italy. As beautiful as the sights were around me, I felt far out of my element. Aside from my family members, everyone around me spoke in other languages and dressed in styles different from mine, and it soon became glaringly obvious that I was out of place among the sophisticated locals.
While I was attempting to hide my obvious Americanness, a girl across the aisle suddenly reached out and tapped my hand. When I looked up, she smiled and pointed to my shirt, which bore my chapter’s Greek letters.
“You’re a Theta? So am I! Where do you go to school?”
She immediately launched into a series of questions, which I was all too happy to answer. By the time the ferry ride ended, I had her number and the name of her university, which was only a few states away from mine. Despite being over 4,000 miles from home, I had made a friend simply because we shared a Greek chapter.
Joining Greek Life was never something that I planned to do. I had seen the stereotypes (looking at you, “Animal House”), and I thought that wild parties, perfectly-made-up “sorority girls” and obnoxious “frat guys” were the entirety of the Greek Life experience. I wanted no part of it.
Then I came to Lehigh, where every perception I previously held about sororities and fraternities was shattered. As a senior, I now realize that the core of my college career was being in my own chapter, and that joining Greek Life is nothing like what I saw in movies. In reality, the Lehigh Greek Life experience boils down to three tenets: socialization, leadership and tradition.
Socialization
Allow me to first address the figurative elephant in the room: Greek parties really do exist. While their depictions are exaggerated by Hollywood, parties are a great way to have fun on campus and meet others. However, they aren’t the only way that people socialize in Greek Life. One of the most important parts of joining a Greek chapter is making friends, and, as cliche as it may sound, these friendships will last a lifetime. Greek Life is brimming with different personalities, interests and backgrounds, and that’s what makes getting to know each other that much more fun. A chapter also helps you build a network, both on campus and professionally. Trust me, that perk is priceless.
Leadership
Do you think that Elle Woods would have been so good at speaking in a courtroom if she hadn’t served as Delta Nu’s president first? Sororities and fraternities offer copious opportunities to hold leadership roles, ranging from community service to an executive officer position. By joining Greek Life, you get the chance to gain experience, responsibility and a new addition to your professional resume, all for the price of one position.
Tradition
Every Greek chapter and organization in the world share a common trait: tradition. Sororities and fraternities have histories dating back hundreds of years, and the rituals and values that are carried on with each chapter represent generations of bonds and memories. Joining a Greek chapter means that you become part of something greater than yourself, and you will share the knowledge and heartfelt secrets of your chapter with the thousands who came before you and the thousands who will follow you. Every club, group and organization on Lehigh’s campus is special in its own way, but very few extend beyond the South Mountain or your lifetime.
So, what is Greek Life really like? In truth, Greek Life is different for everyone, and it’s up to you to decide whether you want to give it the “old college try.” For this old senior, joining a Greek chapter has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
For additional information, I encourage you to take a look at Lehigh’s Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs website, which provides both helpful resources and a link to the LU Greek blog.