The Lion’s Roar / File photo
Southeastern has reached a record high of the number of students who have joined the Greek community.  Aside from many beliefs and stereotypes, Greeks strive to better the campus and Hammond community. Pictured above are fraternities and sororities joining together during Greek Week 2015.

Wednesdays are known as “Jersey Day” for those affiliated with a Greek organization on campus. Greeks wear their letters representing their respective fraternity or sorority. 

While wearing the letters, members, such as Sigma Sigma Sigma sophomore sorority member Summer Carter, have had to deal with negative stereotypes that are presumed true.

“Before I joined [a sorority], I totally believed in the stereotypes,” said Carter. “I thought everyone was stuck up and rude just like the movies, but Greek Life at Southeastern [has] proved me wrong.”

A common stereotype is that those in Greek Life “pay for their friends.”

“I have heard plenty of negativity [being] talked about sororities,” said Carter. “I just respond with, ‘I’m not paying for my friends. I’m paying for T-shirts, trips and events. We are people who want to help a certain cause and bond together to do it.’” 

Another stereotype is that in order to join a Greek organization, one must dress, act and look a particular way, but Carter believes otherwise.

“Now that I am part of a sorority, I do not believe in these stereotypes,” said Carter. “The people are not stuck up and come from all kinds of backgrounds.” 

From movies, it could seem evident that a Greek would just want to join a fraternity or sorority for the booze and parties. For all, this is not true. Some want to join to make a difference in the community or for an outside organization, such as a chosen philanthropy.

“You just have to listen,” said Carter. “These people are kind and are looking to help their community and just wanting to get involved on campus just like every other organization.”

Another reason for joining could be to get involved or to network amongst other college students who share the same interest.

“School was miserable and boring,” said Carter. “In high school, I was involved in everything.  When I came to college, I had nothing to do. A friend from high school saw me and told me I should come to an interest party. I was hesitant, but I went to see what it was all about. By the time I left, I was in love.”

Aside from what others may say, Carter believes her sorority has changed her for the better.

“Being in a sorority has helped me grow in more ways than one,” said Carter. “It has taught me how to work with others, get out of my comfort zone and has made me a better leader.”

Within the past year, campus has seen an increase in the number of Greeks. The combined populations of the Interfraternity, National Pan-hellenic and Collegiate Panhellenic councils have reached a record high. With the increase in numbers come positive effects.

“I feel like Greek Life growing on campus helps us all grow closer as a college. It is getting more people involved with things because once you are in Greek Life, you want to get involved in other things and meet more people,” said Carter.

Carter encourages one to join a Greek organization in order to experience it all for themselves.

“My favorite thing about being a part of Greek Life here at Southeastern is it has helped me meet so many amazing people,” said Carter. “They have helped me get more involved on campus and they have helped me grow as a person and as a friend. I couldn’t imagine my college experience without Greek Life.” 

For more information on Greek Life at Southeastern, visit the Greek Life page at selu.edu.