Pros and Cons Of Greek Life

Mariah Davis

For The Clock

Sorority recruitment is in full swing here at PSU. The three recognized sororities on campus, Delta Zeta Sorority, Kappa Delta Phi N.A.S., and Tau Omega have been holding recruitment events the last two weeks. Students on campus both involved and not involved in Greek life, gave their opinions on the pros and cons of Greek Life.

“There are so many different skills that can be learned from being in Greek Life,” said Angelique LaFond, a sister of Tau Omega. “I have learned how to successfully put on an event and my confidence in myself has absolutely skyrocketed since joining Tau Omega.” Miranda Beaudry, a sister of Delta Zeta, also said she has gained valuable skills: “Leadership, teamwork, multitasking, learning to work together, problem solving, accountability, how to be a good friend, etc.”

Greek Life can also be a huge outlet for helping others. “It’s great for volunteer opportunities and to give back to your community.” said Rachel Couture, a sister of Kappa Delta Phi N.A.S. “This semester, Kappa is raising money for the ASPCA so any money we raise goes directly to them. Through different service experiences my sisters and I have helped out so many people in our community. We've met so many different people and learned from everyone we've met. It's great to feel a sense of belonging in your community.”

Being involved in clubs and organizations on campus is a great way to meet new people. Emily Clough, a first year student not involved in Greek Life said, “Greek life can be a support system of friends that can help academically and emotionally. It’s a great way to make a school with this many new faces, feel a lot smaller with recognizable ones.” Cassidy Spencer, a sister of Tau Omega, said, “You gain a family away from home that is always there to support you (even after you graduate).” Beaudry said, “Every sorority is different and it's nice to find a group of women you click with right at the beginning of your college career.”

Like with many extracurriculars, there is a time commitment involved with Greek Life. “Don't get me wrong, I love hanging out with my sisters, but it is a lot. However, I still have time for a part time job, and two other student organizations with a social life and enough time to do homework, so I guess it’s not too horrible,” said Couture. “There are a lot of different commitments that you're held accountable for, from social events to community service events. It can definitely be a struggle sometimes to juggle the extra responsibilities of being in a sorority with everything else that's going on in your life. Though in the end, I believe it's all worth it and you can learn time management skills,” said Lafond. Greek Life has been known to have a bad reputation on and off campus at colleges around the country. “Not all sororities and fraternities hold themselves to a high standard of conduct, which ends up making all sororities and fraternities look ‘bad,’" said Beaudry. “There is a very negative stigma attached to Greek Life and this is so frustrating,” said Lafond. “Drinking, drugs, and just bad habits are usually associated with Greek life. Most of this is usually just stereotyping all of Greek Life into a single cliché, but they were started and perpetuated for a reason. Not all Greek life supports these, but they do happen,” said Clough.

From talking with students, it was clear that those involved in Greek Life are extremely committed to their sorority and their cause. They find lifelong friends in Greek Life, help support charities, and grow as a person. However, these things do come at a cost, and people can be caught up in a juggling act, trying to balance everything. Greek Life isn’t for everyone, and there are both pros and cons associated with joining.