The Truth About Greek Life

To start, I currently am a sister of the Delta Kappa chapter of Alpha Xi Delta here at Slippery Rock. Greek life is something that is a huge part of my life currently. Yet it is something that I don't openly talk about with people who aren't greek, not even my parents. It's not that I would say I am ashamed to be greek- cause if I were I wouldn't wear letters. I actually take a lot of pride in my sorority and my active membership. But it is something non-greek college students can never understand. I think it is because there are a lot of myths surrounding it, and they are half-truths and mostly all lies about what the letters on my shirt really stand for.

First of all hazing is nearly non-existent within greek life these days. Especially here at Slippery Rock and within my chapter. It is something that was a part of it a while ago, and the stories continue to be thrown around. It is not what we are about. Second would be that we are all stuck up, or think we are better than others. The best way to explain this is a quote I read once, "These letters don't make me better than you, they make me better than who I use to be." It is sad that greeks have such a bad rep, because of how much we all do with our philanthropies. To me, Alpha Xi Delta makes me realize my potential, and pushes me to be a better student, leader, and all around women.

My sorority is based upon philanthropy, which is Autism Speaks. We have many events on campus and have helped raise thousands of dollars for the cause. We care about bettering this campus, our community, and our philanthropy. We also all volunteer over six hours each semester to organizations of our choice. And are all required to participate in another club or organization on campus as well. We are getting out there to try to help change the world, one step at a time.

When I think about my letters, my sorority, and my sisters it makes me feel overwhelmed with happiness. I know that we are making a difference, and I am proud of the work that we do here at Slippery Rock.

That is what we stand for.