reaffirmation of Greek system

[MooseGirl]

Hey there,
I just got back from the bar(yes, I know it's early) where I met some nice frat guys(americans...they flock here during the weekend to drink). I don't see many since I live in Canada where being greek is a rarity. Anyways, as I was leaving one of these guys said to me "I don't see the point in Canadians having a greek system since your drinking age is 19". I was a bit offended at this...it's hard enough to defend greek life to canadians, but to americans too! I replied that i was president of my chapter last year and thought quite differently, whereas he pointed out he was president of his chapter this year.
The point is...how many really join for the parties? I mean i know the frats here have great parties, but that is not the reason I joined a sorority.
Am I naive to think that sisterhood, scholarship and philanthropic works should be the aims of a GLO...or do we all just want to boost our social life?

your 2 cents please

[Siobhan]

Moosegirl, I too am a member of the Canadian Greek system and I totally disagree with what this American fraternity member said. I joined a sorority to meet new people because UBC is such a huge campus (30,000+) and we are a large commuter campus so it is a good way to get involved. Sure the parties are fun but that wasn't a selling point as UBC is a pretty fun campus in itself, like many other Canadian universities. The greek system was the type of campus organization that appealed to me, like some people are drawn to the campus newspaper, or the young Liberals club, or whatever. Basically the point I'm trying to make is that I didn't join for the parties. Yes greek social life was very appealing to me, but that was only a small part in my decision to join UBC's greek system.

Here's something to chew on: if all I was interested in is taking advantage of Canada's young drinking age and completely partying my way through UBC why would I fork out $500 a year to be in a sorority if all I wanted to do was party?!

[Thrillhouse]

Parties are not hard to come by at all on most campuses. Paying dues just to party would be a huge waste of money. Good thing greek groups aren't about partying like that guy said.

[HeidiHo]

Originally posted by Siobhan
I joined a sorority to meet new people because such a huge campus and we are a large commuter campus so it is a good way to get involved. Sure the parties are fun but that wasn't a selling point The greek system was the type of campus organization that appealed to me, like some people are drawn to the campus newspaper, or the young Liberals club, or whatever. Basically the point I'm trying to make is that I didn't join for the parties. Yes greek social life was very appealing to me, but that was only a small part in my decision to join greek system.

It's amazing how that is exactly what I would have said. Commuter campus...meet people...parties not a hug selling point...you covered it all.
Heidi