Why?
 

Hi folks,
I'm sitting here at work and came across this website/chat room/ whatever. I'm from Scotland and have always wondered what the attraction is for sororities/fraternities. Surely the whole thing is just a restrictive popularity game? I'm not meaning to offend; obviously it means something to you or you wouldn't bother but can you enlighten me? Most people in the UK are at a loss as to why people would want to belong to one...anyone care to try and change my mind?

I had a very negative opinion of fraternities and sororities before I ever got to college and was exposed to them. When I pledged my GLO, I still wasn't a huge fan of them in general. I joined a professional arts organization the fall of my sophomore year, Phi Beta. I got along really well the brothers & sisters (it is coed) and saw it as a great networking opportunity in the future, as well as a chance to do some service to the community while I was an undergrad.

It wasn't until I was in the chapter for almost a year before I really understood and appreciated all of the benefits of greek life. And even now, I'm still learning. Not only do I have professional networking opportunities, but immediate friends across the country. I still have the opportunity to participate in community service. I'm still involved in arts-promoting events. I attendeded our National Convention over the summer & had the opportunity to meet a woman who graduated from my university & chapter in 1942. What an awesome experience.

I've also learned to respect other members of the greek community & learn from them as well. (In "real life" & on these boards http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif).

I have to say, my college experience was enhanced in so many ways by becoming a part of Phi Beta. While I maintained and continue to maintain good friendships with people outside of my fraternity & outside of greek life in general from my university, I don't think my experience could have been as positive as it was without my fraternity brothers & sisters.

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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com

Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter

[This message has been edited by SilverTurtle (edited September 14, 2000).]

You want to connect with a group of women who share your ideals and goals and want to go about achieving them together through a shared bond.

Crimson Diva took the words right out of my mouth!

A shared bond, for life, with women not of my blood, yet who are my Sisters. It's simply special. It strengthens and enriches me.

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equeen
A Lioness has her Pride!
@>--;--
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies