Recently, it has come to my attention all of the negative connotations of Greek Life. I decided to rush again here at OU (I ended up dropping for various reasons I will address later) and upon signing up and going through the motions, I have seen firsthand the negative comments from both male and female parties across not only this campus but among others.

Throughout my time at both of my schools, I have had my fair share with Greek Life members. There have definitely been a few annoying sorority girls and some douchey frat boys, but that’s not to say I haven’t met girls outside of sororities who haven’t been annoying, and I know PLENTY of douchey guys without an SAE snapback. I just don’t understand why this stereotype still exists on those involved in Greek Life and people are so adamant about hating those involved.

This past week was Ohio’s recruitment process and in one of my Friday classes, this girl looked very cute, donning a floral romper, with hair curled to perfection and a full face of makeup. She sauntered into the lecture full of confidence ready for her rounds that day, bringing her closer to finding her sisterhood. A beefy blonde boy sat down next to her and hollered out “More sorority shit, huh?” The look on her face went from runway model to lost puppy in the rain. This girl was ecstatic about tonight’s festivities and this boy came down and crushed it. She responded with a meek “mhmm” and reached into her backpack for that class’ materials.

Friday night, I partook in the rush process as well. It was a bit chilly out and I had on a dress and scarf. I was anxious for the night so I called one of my best friends. I hadn’t told too many people I was rushing because it just never came up. While on the phone with her, I told her that I was rushing and had a break in between houses. I received a scoff from her end of the phone followed by, “sororities are stupid. Don’t pay for your friends.” She isn’t in a sorority and I’m almost certain she knows no one who is in a sorority. How does she know they’re stupid? She doesn’t. I proceeded to tell her that everything you pay for is all for something: shirts, formals, retreats, fundraising, the house, and so many other things. She decided, prior to this conversation, that it did not matter what I told her about sororities, she thought they were stupid as the icy sentence of “they’re stupid… but that’s just my opinion.” came out of her mouth and almost stabbed me through the phone. I called a friend because I wanted to think about something other than my anxieties of the night, and she just went and tripled them.

I ended up dropping out of the recruitment process that night, for a variety of reasons. One: the house I really liked was the most expensive of the 10 chapters. 2: The cruel opinions of Greek Life of almost everyone I know. Moreso I feel, because of the latter. Everyone says that it will work out in the end and maybe it’s better I didn’t join.. I will have more money for clothes and traveling and Christmas presents, but I might have found my long lost best friend had I stayed in the process. Who knows? I’m just wondering if due to the negative opinions of Greek life that is held by so many, it stops other girls from going Greek just as it had stopped me. Why can’t we let everyone just do their own thing? Why must we judge everyone for things they love? I just don’t get it

Alicia