Editor’s Note: Jessie Jeppsson is a sister of Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority.
Around this time two years ago, Greek Life members wolfed down Rebecca Franklin’s infamous “Need for change” column. Insulted by her claims that most sorority and fraternity members were underage alcoholics, these women and men did little more to speak out against Miss Franklin’s words than join a Facebook group called “Rebecca Franklin – I’ve got a Solo cup with your name on it”.
Given that this week marks the beginning of member recruitment for sororities in the Panhellenic Association, I’d like to shed some light on the positive aspects of Greek Life — the ones my former fellow columnist believes cannot shine through due to its “tainted reputation”.
The idea of unity among people who share and strive to act on common beliefs, values and goals is that of brotherhood or sisterhood — the first pillar defined by the Department of Greek Life to help “provide a strong foundation to support a student’s personal development.”
Your brothers and sisters are your family away from home; they exist to encourage you to strive toward your personal goals and act as a colossal support system when the road of life becomes too rough. This lifelong bond is something that Greeks could tell you has been beneficial to their personal development, whether it is now while in college or later on as a career networking resource — developing strong personal ties to like-minded individuals will lead to success.
Benefits resulting from the other three pillars, scholarship, leadership, and service are more obvious and well known throughout the N.C. State community. Most Greek organizations award scholarship funds to recognize students exhibiting the same dedication to academics and service that they value. And, according to Jimmy Byars, graduate assistant in the Department of Greek Life, GPA’s are higher for women who are in sororities compared to those who are not.
Leadership opportunities within the organizations themselves include serving on committees or organizing events covering a myriad of topics pertaining to personal development, including: academics, professionalism, athletics, service and philanthropy.
Service to the University and the surrounding community is a commitment that all Greek organizations share. Whether that means offering free tutoring services, picking up trash off the highway or making time to help freshmen move-in and get settled in their dorms (remember the plague of “Go Greek” shirts?), there is no denying it, NCSU Greeks put in more service hours than the average college student.
While the fire escape injury and underage drinking issues reported to the Office of Student Conduct at the beginning of this year certainly did not paint a good picture of Greek Life for its prospective new recruits, sororities and fraternities must move forward and continue to better their image through the four pillars.
These organizations serve a vital mission for 21 percent of NCSU undergraduate students and should not let common misconceptions define them.
