Its Not All Fun and Games 

His eyes immediately go right toward the colorful banner with abbreviated greek letters, so many questions running through his head.  As he walks up to the table with three guys dressed in Greek Life shirts, cargo shorts, and vans, he hopes to be able to make it through what he has heard is hell. He knows it’ll be worth it in the end and he wants in so bad. Asking endless questions, while trying not to look stupid, he learns more about what it means to be apart of a fraternity. Nervous yet excited he walks away with hope he will receive a text soon, asking him to join them in their brotherhood.

In 1776, John Heath was rejected by two latin secret sororities on campus. So he decided to make his own society with a couple of friends, today we know it as a Fraternity. Heath was a greek scholar, so he began the tradition of naming college organizations after the initials of their secret greek motto. Fraternity is the latin word for Frater meaning “brother”. The model for modern greek life today can be credited to Union University in New York in 1825. Ultimately greek life is viewed in many ways, however as you go in depth you notice everything it takes to be apart of a Fraternity. 

There are multiple steps to joining the organization. The first step is the rushing process, where you can come and meet other fraternity members. You get to socialize and explore the various things they have to offer.  After the rushing process is completed, the fraternity discusses with the other members if they are suitable to join or not. If after socializing and being interviewed the members think you will make a good fit, they may offer you a bid. A bid is an offer to join the organization. When this is received the pledging process begins. You go through challenges to challenge yourself and your mind to see if you have the dedication it takes to join. Finally after you completed all this, which can last up to 6 weeks, you are now a member of a brotherhood that will be carried with you throughout life. (see video for more details)

Although most people believe Fraternities just party and goof around, they have many responsibilities and duties. When interviewing a member of Zetta Psi, Tyler, he explained some of his duties. “There are many responsibilities that come with joining a fraternity. You have to be loyal, trustworthy, considerate to others, and generally enthusiastic. Other responsibilities also involve paying fraternity dues, doing volunteer work, and keeping up with grades especially.” he said.  All members of Greek life have to pay dues to be a member. It costs $800 to join, this payment goes straight to the house, it pays for food, drinks, and whatever else the house decides they need/want. Ty also stated, “Being in a Frat is awesome, I got to meet so many new people and be apart of so many new things and experiences. I would recommend joining Greek Life to anyone who asks or who is up in the air about joining.” Ultimately Greek Life improves college students life and is a unforgettable experience.