Greek Life has often been portrayed as a life of parties, hazing and a way to rejoin a clique after high school. On T.V. shows like “Greek” and movies like “Beta House,” they make it seem like sorority girls are dumb and frat boys only drink and haze all day. There are 10 houses on campus and each are part of a Greek community that has thrived here for years and gives a life to many students on campus.

At the beginning of the year, when asked if I considered joining a sorority, I would reply ‘no’ without even thinking. I didn’t want to be a part of something that I thought at the time was conformist and only for preppy girls who were popular in high school.

But after seeing how my friends felt getting involved in Greek Life, I decided it wasn’t bad at all. In fact, being a part of the Greek community not only made them more involved, it made them feel like they were part of something bigger. I feel that kids on campus don’t understand what is great about being part of a Greek family.

People will tell you they joined a sorority or fraternity out of legacy, or because they think it’ll get them into parties. But there’s so much more to being a part of the Greek community. The biggest thing I loved about being part of Greek Life is the feeling of family. The comfort to know that there is always someone there to back you up when you need someone to talk to or hang out with and there are people who care about your wellbeing. Your brothers or sisters will help you through the classes you find the hardest and they push you to your full potential.

Being a part of a sorority or fraternity gets you involved in community services and on campus activities, and creates a bond between you and your Greek family that lasts forever.

There are, of course, reasons that discourage people from wanting to involve themselves in Greek Life. Money is an obvious factor. It is known that being in a sorority or fraternity is not a cheap way of life. It is expensive, because the money you spend goes to house fees and the activities involved.

Some would also say that being part of a house is a useless life and that there is no point to having to pledge your name to a set of Greek letters for the rest of your life. Others would also just say they don’t have time and are not concerned with that sort of thing.

In formal recruitment, potential sorority and fraternity members visit each of the houses to find their favorite and wait for a bid, which basically says that a house wants you. Informal recruitment is pretty much the same but helps when you already know what house you want to join.

When I received my bid from Alpha Sigma Alpha, I was so excited. To have something to call a family after leaving mine behind gave me hope that I finally fit in somewhere. I accepted my bid because even though it was going to cost a bit of money, the money was worth it. I had found friends in my sisters and a sense of belonging.

Emporia State should stress the deeper commitments that come with joining the Greek community. That it is not only a way to have fun and get involved but also creates a family bond found only at home.

Emma DePriest/The Bulletin