The truth about Sigma Apple Pie and my Greek life experience

Greek life. Almost everyone has a preconceived notion about what it is whether they are a member of a fraternity or sorority or not. But why? The simple answer is the media. In recent years with its growing popularity, social media has become a major contributor to Greek life stereotyping specifically. For example, if you just glance at any of the countless Twitter and Instagram pages like Total Frat Move, Total Sorority Move, or TFM Girls you would probably come across an array of photos and videos of frat guys shot-gunning beers at lightning speed or posing ridiculously in preppy clothing (let us not forget the male romper) and unrealistically pretty sorority girls doing the infamous sorority squat. These photos along with captions like “Saturdays are for the boys” and tweets referring to “Becky from Delta Zebra” and “Chad from Sigma Apple Pie” would lead you to believe that all Greek members are pretty, mindless, status obsessed, party animals.

In all honesty, I believed many of these stereotypes to be true after seeing movies like "Neighbors" and "The House Bunny" as well as viewing stereotyped posts on social media. That is, until I found out the truth after going Greek last fall. Coming into Otterbein as a freshman last year I had an abundance of acquaintances and people I loosely considered friends but I hadn’t really connected with anyone on the level I wanted to. When the opportunity to rush presented itself I figured that it couldn’t hurt. I mean I probably wouldn't join a sorority, but it only cost 10 dollars, a shirt was included, and it would at least be an opportunity to meet some new people, right? Wrong.

When bid day rolled around a few weeks later I found myself a nervous wreck in fear that I wouldn’t get a bid into Epsilon Kappa Tau. I did get a bid that day and in the following weeks I worked toward becoming an active member of EKT (contrary to what the media might suggest, no hazing or craziness was involved). Since then I have met some of the greatest people I have ever known and made some of the best friends. And let me tell you, it is not at all like the movies.

Don’t get me wrong Greeks love to have fun, but Greek life is so much more than partying and it’s not always as happy as it’s portrayed in the media. Each sorority and fraternity has their own flavor; we’re all very diverse as organizations and as individuals. We plan and execute community service events, we contribute to our philanthropies, we lift each other up when we’re down, we laugh together, and we cry together. Even though some Greek organizations may appear to fit the stereotypes from an outside perspective, we are all more than what stereotyping by the media has reduced us to.

This being said, social media isn’t all bad for Greek organizations. In fact, it can be utilized in extremely positive ways. Many sororities and fraternities have their own social media accounts to promote events and fundraisers and to connect and build relationships with other organizations. There are even some accounts dedicated to breaking stereotypes about Greek life.

I love all of my sorority sisters and am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a part of an organization of talented, driven, and intelligent women who strive to make each other, our university, and our communities better every day. I really believe that going Greek has enhanced my college experience and I would definitely recommend giving it a chance to anyone who is on the fence.

Comment your thoughts about Greek life stereotypes or experience in a Greek organization below!

See you next post,

Casey