When I was growing up, I never thought I would consider Greek Life in college. There are so many Greek Life stereotypes out there and I didn't think I would fit in. After going away to college and not really knowing anyone there, I became very home sick. I decided that going through recruitment would be my last opportunity to make WVU my home. I went through sorority recruitment Spring '17, freshman year, and received a bid from Chi Omega. During my time as a Chi O, I was on the executive board as Director of Programming. Having this position allowed me to see behind the scenes of how we were run and how the school interacted with Greek Life.
I'm sure when you think Greek Life, your mind goes somewhere negative, unless you are an alum. This hurts my heart. In no way do I want to diminish what happened in any hazing incident where someone died or was injured. I just don't want that to be the face of Greek Life. Greek Life is so much more than a party and some annoying kids. Hazing incidents happen in other communities too...sports for example. Greek Life is portrayed negatively by the media and even by the schools they are apart of. The good that Greek Life does should be reported too. People need to hear what Greek Life does for the community and its members. They make a difference. I am proof that they care about more than partying.
Over the last 3 years, I have made some incredible relationships in this community.
Together we have organized philanthropy events and we have raised money for every sorority or fraternity philanthropy. If you are not familiar with the Greek Life system, every sorority and fraternity has a philanthropy organization that they hold events to raise money for. We are passionate about our philanthropies. Chi Omega's philanthropy is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We have been able to raise enough money to grant wishes for children with life threatening diseases. These sororities and fraternities are ready to support and take care of their own as well. No, not everyone knows each other...but that's what is so beautiful. The girls in other sororities on campus have been supporting me even though we may not know each other. When someone in the community is going through something traumatic, the entire Greek community comes together.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had trouble telling my friends. I felt bad and uncomfortable sending people a text saying that I had cancer. I eventually told everyone and they were all unbelievably supportive.
My sorority sisters got together and sent flowers and cards etc. I was so happy because I knew they were going to be there for me throughout my journey.
In my last post I talked about how Sam called to ask if the fraternities could hold an event to raise money for me. This was when I realized how lucky I am to be a member of something so incredible.
Theta Chi held an event the weekend I was there at Panda Express and had a great turn out. The Wednesday after Theta Chi had their event, Pike had a fundraiser for me at one of the bars downtown. I did not expect the amount of support I received. The support made me feel so loved and cared about. I am beyond grateful to the fraternities and my friends in them. They deserve more credit than they get.
A few weeks after the fundraisers, I got a text from my friends with a picture of a flag. Pike got a flag for me, they wrote "no one fights alone" and everyone signed it. Again, they are showing their continuous love and support for me. They didn't ignore me, they didn't have an event and then forget about me... they kept supporting me.
The next time I visited WVU, I got the flag and Theta Chi came to the Chi O house to present me with the check from their fundraiser. These people are some of my best friends...and I would have never met them if I didn't join Greek Life. It is not for everyone, I understand that. But at least give it the credit it deserves. I am so appreciative for everything the WVU Greek Life community has done for me. I hope my sister will eventually become a part of this community that has done so much for me. Next time you think of Greek Life.... remember the good!
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