Lifestyle/Pop Culture

Greek Life 

"Hey bro!" I hear one of my fraternity brothers call out to me. This is something I hear multiple times a day from multiple locations. You usually its brought out with a smile and the extension of the hand, firmly grasping my own in the strong, manly - proper handshake. This is almost always followed by, "You doing alright brother?"

This is the biggest thing I have noticed since I have become a member of the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity International. This form of inclusion isn't such as the fame that comes from joining the ranks of celebrity status or as though I am part of a sect which is better than others. This is the inclusion of family, as though the gentleman I shake hands with is my blood brother. This is my feeling towards my fraternity brothers - that these men are my family.

My interest in Greek life began with my older brother. He joined the fraternity his first year of college and spoke to me about all the fun and great times he had with his fraternity brothers over the years. After college and the Marine Corps, I decided it was time I found a new place to call home and join the ranks of Sigma Pi. 

My introduction to Greek Life was a bit different than what I expected. I was concerned that it may be parties and drinking all the time, but to my surprise that wasn't the case. We had philanthropies, community service, and charities we worked for. We spent our time building each other up. We had brotherhood events like playing paintball and going out to a restaurant-karaoke venue. And once I could legally drink, any day I drank with some brothers we simply relaxed and played poker or a videogame and rang the night out just having as good of a time as we can. 

There was never a worry about a brother hurting themselves drinking; never a worry about a brother hurting someone else. It's nice being around guys that can hold their own alcohol and make sure they don't drink too much that they become a nuisance. As we say, keep moderation in all things - this is so you don't become consumed in the things you do or the things you use.

Luckily for me, Greek life is not frowned upon at SAU. However, Greek life is under attack in many other locations. Most notably is Harvard. Here is the letter from Harvard, but to sum it up:

Harvard decided that one gender organizations go against their policy of acceptance, therefore, if you are a member of one, you will be subject to penalties from the college: reduction in the use of facilities, you can no longer join certain clubs, your financial aid will be cut, you can not hold a leadership position, and you will no longer receive awards of accomplishment such as making the Dean's list.

This is an attack on our way of life! There is not a chapter of Sigma Pi at Harvard, but the standards established in the US Constitution for freedom of speech and association should not be infringed!

Greek life has helped me establish a better state of mind. My brothers have helped me when I was depressed and ensured my happiness. When I was depressed, they lifted me up. They are the greatest gentlemen I know and I am proud to be amongst the ranks of Sigma Pi.