Taking The Initiative Essay, Research Paper
Taking the Initiative
One saying that everyone says that all people who are in Fraternities and Sorority’s drink alcohol and party, but in my experience I have found that not all do. In fact a lot of Greeks take time out of their busy school schedules to help out with the community, plan non-alcoholic activities, and interact and work with the people involved with Oregon State University, while maintaining there grades. The Greek system is a valuable resource in which the Corvallis community should recognize and respect. Without it, the local community would lose out on many chances to meet and interact with some of the best people around.
Many people think that Greek organizations are only out to party, drink, and score for the night. For instance, my friends think that since I am in a fraternity that I drink a lot and go to these huge “frat” parties. But in fact I drank more in high school and partied harder than what I do now. As you can see this stereotype is not always true. Of course this activity may happen, but at the same time these same instances go on in dorms and in people’s homes. The Greek community however, seems to be shunned because of it. This is probably due to the fact that most fraternities and sororities have nice homes, they do well in school, and they seem to get far in life while still having fun. A lot of the general public might be jealous and envious. This is not a reason to look down upon the Greek people. I have seen first hand that a Fraternity can do well without the presence of alcohol. In my house, Phi Gamma Delta, we have chosen not to have alcohol as a part of our everyday life. We have seen what alcohol can do to fraternities. About five years ago Phi Gamma Delta was closed down due to lacking grades and other complications. When we were able to open back up, we decided that it should be alcohol free. This in itself was a big step for the Greek community and we decided to take it. We have taken the chance of not being the most popular or the biggest party house on campus but instead turn the image around and show that the Greek community as a whole can be respected and responsible.
In many houses, philanthropies are a big part of their lives. Many spend their weekends helping kids at the local boys and girls club, coaching a basketball team, or even picking up trash on the side of the road. One fraternity for example that does this is Sigma Pi. They have a certain part of highway that they pick up trash every year. These are not activities that any Greek member is required to do. This is something they choose to do, both to better themselves as an association and to help out the public community. People who respect and help the community do exist in the Greek system. Most people hear about how fraternity’s just party and drink and they think that is all they do. You cannot judge an entire working and productive community by just one bad experience. Not everybody is the typical “frat boy” or typical “sorority girl.” Of course there is always a few bad apples here and there, but th
Fraternities have not completely given up the “party scene.” All houses have these so called “functions,” but not all contain alcohol. Many are dry, which is the term used for not having alcohol present at the party. This is a great way to socialize and get to know people. It allows someone to get to know another person on a one-on-one basis without being intoxicated. Greeks have realized this and have decided to not always use alcohol while hosting a social event. Delta Upsilon fraternity and along with all of the sorority’s on campus have realized that they too do not need alcohol to have a good time. They believe that this is a responsible way of interacting with people and this is their way of showing the community that they do not necessarily have to have alcohol to have fun. In many ways it allows them to be themselves and teaches them to step out of their comfort zone and overcome the normal barriers of shyness.
There are a lot of fraternity men and sorority women who take an active role on campus. Some work with public officials, some are teacher assistants, and others work for the university giving tours for potential students. Many of these great people live in my house. They are great leaders and have a great influence on the people they meet. They are responsible and respectable young adults that work hard for what they do and for what they earn. This is obviously not even close to the stereotype that a lot of people have about fraternities and sororities. This, to me, is something that everyone should look highly upon and possibly model themselves after. The Greeks are a goodhearted and eager group ready to take on any challenge and put good effort to it.
Imagine helping out the community on a regular basis and still get good grades. Well on top of everything else, the Greeks’ grades are just as important as anything that they do. All houses combined have an overall better grade point average than the school as a whole does. It’s obvious to see what the Greek system deems as important and what is necessary to survive in the real world. Making time to go out and help someone and maintaining good grades is tough, but for some reason the Greeks know how to do this. This just shows that they can work hard for others as well as themselves. Grades are apparently a big issue in their lives; therefore they are willing to except full responsibility in whatever they do. This is a sign of true dedication and devotion and should be regarded as such.
These are not the actions of a weak and immature society, but instead those of a strong, growing and responsible organization that is welcome and willing to put forth new efforts to make their communities better. I am proud to say that I am part of this organization and I have the best opportunity to do both what is good and right for myself and the people around me. People should realize that there is more to fraternities and sororities than they really think they know. Each house has its qualities and its traits and the common public should stop and recognize this.