Sorority women should stand proud
Greek life presents opportunities to enrich academics, social
experience while forging lasting friendships
I am a sorority woman. For some reason, telling that fact always
merits an odd reaction. I understand that people might be
astonished or offended, given the publicity received by the greeks
and their past antics.
Still, the emotions inside me are uncontrollable. Every time I
mention that I am part of the greek community, I am readily on the
defensive. I often ask myself why I hesitate to mention something
of which I am proud, but my answer is always the same: It is
frustrating to be a part of something condemned by people who know
nothing about it.
The greek system has its problems, but I want to tell my
colleagues at UCLA why I joined a sorority – why, if it’s really so
bad, there are 2,484 enthusiastic members (11 percent of all
undergraduates), and why such defensive feelings are aroused every
time I get that look that says, "She’s one of them."
Why am I so proud of my sorority? I am proud because the people
I have met through the greek system inspire me and help me in
becoming the successful graduate I will be next June.
I dedicated my summer to a battered women’s shelter, and the
women of the greek system played a large part in my decision. My
sorority requires its women to contribute a certain number of hours
to the community, through activities like reading to kids in the
projects.
Many women exceed this standard by working for projects like
Hands for Empowerment, Breast Cancer Awareness and Heart of Los
Angeles Youth. In addition, the sororities offer support for women
through programs like the upcoming rape awareness talks.
Greeks have often been criticized for their philanthropic
events, such as Tug-O-War and Casino Night, because such an
approach is not hands-on. However, these programs raise funds for
great causes, and many other campus groups do not give to the
community at all.
This fact makes many greeks, including me, feel as if we can’t
win no matter what we do. Such events are merely college versions
of socials and celebrity tournaments put on by Aids Project Los
Angeles and other charities.
The greek system not only teaches me how to give, it also makes
me involved at UCLA. The amazing contributions of the greeks to
UCLA are often overlooked, but truly astonish me. Last year, my
sorority alone had six chairs and a director for Mardi Gras; greeks
made up about a quarter of committee members. Since Mardi Gras
didn’t raise enough money for Unicamp, the greeks put on The
Rivalry, paid $10 each to attend a party, and all the money went to
Unicamp.
Moreover, the greek banner contest was some of the best
publicity Mardi Gras received. Similarly, at Spring Sing, greeks
always actively participate; we are also the majority of the big,
animated float entries for Homecoming.
Everyone in my house is required to participate in at least two
campus activities outside greek life, which is more than many
students. The sororities have band members, undergraduate council
officers and volunteers, community service workers, spirit leaders,
athletes and researchers.
Believe it or not, these women have contributed something else
to my education at UCLA – an appreciation for diverse people and
views. When I walked downstairs this morning, there were six women
in my house speaking Spanish, and there are other languages (from
Russian to Korean), nationalities, religions and majors represented
in my house alone.
Some ask where I find the time to attend chapter meetings and
socials when I’m here to learn, but the academic support I receive
from such outstanding women has helped me through everything from
microbiology to misplaced modifiers.
My sorority has study buddies, tutors, ASK counselors,
scholarship chairs, study nights and study files. This support
shows, too: The greek GPA is higher than the all-campus GPA. Most
sororities have averages over 3.0, and the greeks have their own
honor society.
Of course, all this studying does not overshadow the crazy
social life for which greeks are notorious. I have never been
forced to drink or party by a fellow greek (unlike those subhumans
in the KEG house on "90210"), but like any group of students, we
love to have fun.
I’m a rare drinker in my house, which has its share of both
absolute nondrinkers and those wild partyers one expects at any
college. I love to dance with my sisters and attend outrageous date
parties with themes like "Mad Hatter" and "’80s Sitcom Heroes." The
reason I joined my house was to socialize with its members, and I’m
never disappointed at our events.
However, I have not only experienced a great social and campus
life, but I also pay less for room and board than anyone I know.
Some think that all greeks are rich, but I, like many of my sisters
and fellow greeks, am on full financial aid at this school, work 20
hours a week and live in my house partly because it is my cheapest
option, including dues.
Thus, I do not buy my friends through dues, as some say. Dues go
to administration, rush and social funds, scholarships,
philanthropies and sisterhood events. All the money one puts into a
sorority comes back to her, plus more, because there is an amazing
alumni donation network. (Besides, not many greeks are the type
that need to buy friends.)
I benefit greatly from the greek system, but what I’ve really
been given is truly priceless; my dues could never cover it
all.
I am not trying to romanticize the greek system. It isn’t true
that everyone in a sorority is best friends; there are sources of
conflict and people who don’t get along. There are moments, like
after I fail a final, when I dread going back to a house full of
people who will see me cry. The time commitment can be hard. But
these are problems with any group of friends or campus
activity.
The sorority women of UCLA would like respect from their
colleagues, but the truth is, they don’t really need it. Greeks are
involved; they are leaders and they have friends for life.
What matters to me is that I will always have a group of women
with whom I share my sorority’s ideals and my deepest personal
secrets, who will (and have already begun to) help me with my
future career goals, and who will be my bridesmaids, best friends
and confidantes.
Greek women do a lot for UCLA and would like some recognition,
but what matters most is what their sororities have done for them
and will continue to do for them, long after their days here have
passed.
Hartel is an economics and English/American studies student and
philanthropy chair of Chi Omega sorority. She thanks all the
sisters who contributed their ideas and inspiration.
Sherry HartelComments to webmaster@db.asucla.ucla.edu