I am a brother of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Already, just by knowing only that much about me, you have already started to create a preconceived notion about who I am. Elitist, party animal, preppy, degenerate: the list can go on and on. I don’t blame you. This is what the media tells us fraternities are—drinking clubs, for your everyday low-life just trying to get through post-secondary education on their parents’ money.
For those of you who just got excited by that last statement, I hate to break your heart; that’s not what a fraternity is all about. Partying isn’t the only aspect of Greek culture. It is not a rule in any organization that you must attend a certain number of parties. This is a stereotype that we see played out constantly in media. They show videos of frat boys drinking until their livers can’t handle it anymore, throwing huge parties, and truly not caring about anyone other than those in their inner circle. That’s not even close to the truth.
My fraternity has its foundation set in scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service. Brothers must put in a certain number of hours studying and volunteering in the community. Even if brothers did want to party, they had to fulfill these hours before partaking in any other fraternity event.
And brotherhood is the most important pillar. A fraternity is the family you choose. If you choose a group of men that you do not fit in with, how do you benefit from the brotherhood and, in turn, how does the brotherhood benefit from you? One of the other largest misconceptions is that fraternities are exclusive. This is far from the truth.
Greek life can be for everyone, but not everyone chooses to rush. Everyone has the opportunity to try and see what Greek life is but, ultimately, few are ready to make the commitment. There is a Greek organization for everyone, whether it be academic, social, or professional. It just comes down to rushing the organization that best suits you, and your ambitions. You want to be in a brotherhood filled with gentlemen that you can call family and your best friends.
One in which they push you to be a better you. One in which they want to see you grow to your full potential. A fraternity isn’t your typical group of boys. It is comprised of gentlemen who strive to make themselves better and the world around them better.
Don’t join a fraternity because you want a reason to buy a pair of Sperrys. Don’t join a fraternity because you want to drink and party all the time. Don’t join a fraternity because you think you’re better than everyone else. Join a fraternity because you want to be a part of a network of gentlemen who strive to be better. Join a fraternity to join something bigger than any university degree will give you. Join a fraternity because you want to grow and improve yourself in all ways possible.
Or don’t.
No one is forcing you to rush—it’s your personal choice. If you choose not to rush, or even try to understand what a fraternity is about, don’t call us exclusive or elitists. We welcome anyone with open arms to come and experience what Greek life is.
If anyone ever asks what Greek life is, I always tell them the same thing: come and see if it’s right for you, because there is an organization you will fit into.
So before one says that the Greek system is exclusionary, ask yourself, have I even made an attempt to try it or has the label you created about fraternities scared you away?
