Sorority. Fraternity. Rush. Pi Chis. Bids.
Elon University has been abuzz recently with all things Greek, marking the time of year when underclassmen struggle to decide whether to rush. With the results of female recruitment still fresh in students minds, and men’s recruitment coming right on its heels, there is only one thing for sure at this point: Some students will get exactly what they want, while others will be disappointed. But regardless of the outcome, every student should remember that Elon is a place where you don’t necessarily have to be sporting letters in order to have the best college experience.
We’ve all heard the stories, seen the Greek letters emblazoned on students’ clothes and bags, pictures of the formals, bid day — you name it. There’s no denying the Greek presence is strong here at Elon. Some students believe the Greek system to be an integral part of the ultimate college experience, while others find the lifestyle of being non-affiliated equally rewarding.
Now, don’t get us wrong. The benefits of joining a Greek organization are many, and we recognize the contributions that they bring to the Elon community. Many students find ample opportunities for leadership, social networking, community service and extracurriculars through their involvement in the Greek system.
But when the excitement of rush week ends, if you happen to find yourself without a bid to the house you wanted, don’t despair. College, much like life, doesn’t begin and end because you didn’t get what you wanted.
Janis Baughman, director of student activities, shares this belief.
“We have noticed that students at Elon tend to allow the emotional and social component of recruitment to create false ideas about the supposed difference between the kinds of organizations we have at Elon,” she said.
Baughman, who also serves as an adviser to a Greek organization, also explained how the opportunities available to affiliated students have an added element of appeal to them, despite their wide availability to all students.
“Students often forget that the same opportunities for leadership or social networking can be found in every organization on campus, not just Greek organizations,” she said.
Another thing to keep in mind is that members of any Greek organization look for students whose interests and personalities mirror their own, as a means of furthering its own goals and strengthening their bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
If you are one of those people who feel they were at one point short-changed by a Greek organization, consider this: Just because you didn’t get the opportunity you wanted on a silver platter, it doesn’t mean another opportunity isn’t still present. Would being accepted into a group, one you may find you don’t have anything in common with, really be worth it? College is too short an experience to spend invested in something you are not fit for. Put your time into something that really captures your passion. With Elon’s 203 on-campus organizations, 23 of which are Greek, the options for on campus involvement are sizeable, to say the least.
College represents a period in life that is meant to enrich learning, creative thought and individuality. Some find that source of inspiration through involvement in community service. Others find it through student media. Still others find the Greek system to be the best fit for them.
Only you can decide if a fraternity or sorority is right for you. You might find that you are not as cut out for Greek life as you had hoped. But, to borrow an overly used cliche: When one door closes, another one opens. Remember that not getting what you wanted now may end up being what you need later.