By Claire Lindsey, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Picture this: it
is freshman year and you’ve joined the best chapter on campus (yours, of
course). You’re beyond stoked to be a part of [INSERT ORGANIZATION HERE],
because your brothers/sisters are the funniest, smartest, coolest kids on
campus, and now you’re a part of that amazing group. After bid night,
everything is about your organization, your sisterhood or brotherhood and your
philanthropy.
That’s how my
freshman year went. But, as I headed into my junior year, I realized I wanted more.
I wanted to play a role not only in my own chapter, but in the Greek community.
So, I applied for Panhellenic and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve
made in college. Here are 3 ways joining your campus Greek council can change
your life.
1.
You meet friends outside
your own chapter.
My sorority
sisters are the bomb.com. They’re my best friends and my future bridesmaids.
But, upon being elected to Panhellenic, I met some of the greatest women I’ve
ever known. These women are hardworking, dedicated members of Greek Life, and
more importantly, we can openly discuss the complex and confidential dealings
in the Greek community.
Being on a Greek
Council also fosters friendships outside your immediate circle. Our councils
interact at conferences, in the Greek Life office, or even just at social
events, and the men and women on those councils have become some of my greatest
friends. No matter what council you’re a part of, knowing you have at least one
friend in every sorority and fraternity on campus is a damn good feeling.
2.
You get to meet awesome,
important people.
At a school of
more than 20,000 undergraduates, I never imagined I would be on a first name
basis with the Dean of Students or the Vice President of Student Affairs, and
it really never even occurred to me that I might have any type of personal
relationship with the PRESIDENT OF MY ENTIRE UNIVERSITY. But, surprise,
surprise, Panhellenic has given me that too. Being on Panhellenic has opened up
my world to people who can literally change the course of my college career. Last
week, I received an email from the VP of Student Affairs, who was
congratulating me on a speech I made at a City Council meeting. ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT PEOPLE AT MY COLLEGE KNOWS WHO I AM!?!
3. You realize that you can actually make
a difference in your community.
Recently,
the news has been filled with stories about sexual assault, racism, and hazing
incidents in fraternities and sororities all over the country, and those
stories ruin the reputation of these organizations as a whole. Before I became
a member of Panhellenic, I was never sure that I could change those
stereotypes, because I assumed it was a part of being Greek. But now, I realize
that I was wrong. Change is possible. I’ve only been on Panhellenic for one
quarter, and already I’ve been a part of the plans to change college culture;
plans that combat sexual assault on our campus; plans to ensure safer social
environments for students; plans to educate members on drinking habits and
alcohol awareness prior to going through recruitment. These plans are already
in place—and being a part of those plans makes me incredibly proud.
So,
if you’re thinking that you’re a dedicated, passionate, driven member of Greek
Life who wants to make a change, think about applying for your Greek council.
You can make an impact, make some great friends, and some great memories in the
process.
I want to dedicate this
to the amazing women and men on Panhellenic and IFC at Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo. You are all some of the greatest people I’ve ever met, and I can’t wait
to continue our commitment to improving our community with you all. There’s no
one else I’d rather face it all with.
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