REFLECTION: Greek life is a different world
In case if you didn’t know, I’m in a fraternity. I know what you’re thinking; It’s hard to believe that a dork like me is part of Greek life, but here I am.
And let me tell you, it’s a completely different world than what others think. Not as extreme as Animal House, but it’s up there.
Greek life at Kent State consists of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), which oversees all the social fraternities on campus, Panhellenic Council, which oversees the sororities, and Integrated Greek Council (IGC), which oversees the multicultural fraternities and sororities.
I live in a house with 15 other guys, and every day is an adventure.
You may have already read the story of how two of my roommates brought a wild squirrel in our home.
I try to mentally prepare myself every Thursday and Saturday for the loss of sleep I would get those nights when my roommates loudly come back.
When I don’t act like a crotchety old man, I make an appearance at the party house, and there’s not a night I go back home without a story to tell.
I vividly remember a man walked up to me dressed in a full lion costume. I also remember seeing one of my fraternity brothers drunkenly chase his girlfriend down the street in his underwear.
In Greek life, you dance. You dance a lot. Hours and hours of dancing to remixes of old Disney songs and rap songs.
Also, sorority girls love to see fraternity men twerk, and I’m not entirely sure why.
Don’t even get me started on the Instagram pictures. Date parties. “Formal szn.” Philanthropies. They’re endless.
There’s also the day drinking and somehow the name for “day drink” now is “darty.” Please don’t ask me how this came to be. I’m just an observer.
Greek life at Kent State, however, could be better. For instance, I’m extremely disappointed with the relationship between IFC, Panhel and IGC.
There are great opportunities for these organizations to do incredible things for charities and for the university.
And in my three years in Greek life, I haven’t once seen an attempt to try to strengthen this relationship.
The diversity within Greek life is slightly improving, but there’s so much more work that needs to be done.
Greek life should also utilize more of the resources the university has when it comes to sexual assault.
The stigma that sexual assaults happen at college parties puts a stain on the image as well. Be educated and break the stereotype.
Despite the negatives, there are some goods.
It’s honestly amazing how these organizations work together to raise thousands of dollars for different causes, including wounded veterans and the hearing impaired.
The classic “You’re just paying for your friends” phrase may be true, but I can honestly tell you I have met a lot of my closest friends in Greek life.
Greek life isn’t perfect, but I honestly believe it’s better than what it used to be years ago.
Brandon Bounds is an assigning editor. Contact him at [email protected].