Greek life often has a negative social connotation. Below, members of Longwood's Greek community share their unique experiences within their own on-campus sororities and fraternities to break these preconceived stereotypes:
1. Why did they choose to go Greek?
Emma Lantagne, senior, Alpha Sigma Tau
“I went to an all-female private school for four years, so when I came Longwood I was like, ‘Nope, I don’t need a sisterhood. I had one, been there, done that,’ but after my freshmen year I realized that I missed having a sisterhood and having a group of people I could always go to. I decided to rush blind, and it was definitely worth it.”
Cami Pelletier, junior, Alpha Gamma Delta
“I chose to go Greek because I wanted to make more friends and I wanted to be involved on campus.”
Andrew Slifka, sophomore, Theta Chi
“Choosing to go Greek for me was a last minute decision. I almost didn’t do it because of the stereotypes surrounding it, but I got to know the meaning, purpose and what they’re really about.”
Cameron Reuss, sophomore, Pi Kappa Phi
“They were like the brothers I always wanted and never got to have. They all love me, and I love all of them. I didn’t think I even wanted to go Greek until I met the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi.”
2. How has being Greek changed their life?
Lantagne: “It’s made me more independent. Being around such strong women constantly has really put it into perspective how strong I can be and how I can better my life for myself. I also love the fact that no matter what happens in my life, I have a huge group of people that I can go to.”
Pelletier: “It’s changed my life because I realized I wanted to be more active and involved in my community. Ever since I joined I’ve done a lot of volunteering and helping with philanthropy.”
Slifka: “I’ve only been Greek for one semester, but it’s given me brothers that I didn’t have before. I know there’s a big thing on ‘Oh, you’re buying your friends,’ but it isn’t like that for me because I know that either way, if I would have joined or not, they still would have been my friends.”
Reuss: “Now that I’ve gone Greek, I have an entire chapter that will back me up, that I can confide in, and that make me feel like their family.”
3. What would they recommend to someone who is contemplating going Greek?
Lantagne: “Sign up for mock recruitment on September 23rd. It’s a great way to quickly understand what recruitment will be like. You can find connections, so if you think you found your home, then you can talk to sisters and instantly learn more, and getting your name out there.”
Pelletier: “I would highly recommend them to give it a try. Greek life obviously isn’t for everybody, but I do think everybody should give it a chance. It’s not a superficial thing like most people think, it’s a great way to do something greater than yourself.
Reuss: “Find a place that you belong. A place where you feel like you fit in. Make sure you meet all the brothers or sisters of the chapter and make sure you could have their backs no matter what.”
4. What does being Greek mean to them?
Pelletier: “To me, being Greek is not about the parties, it is about helping out and actually doing something good.”
Slifka: “Being Greek to me means you’re a part of something. You have a sense of belonging.”
Reuss: “Being Greek here at Longwood means everything to me. No matter what, going Greek is one decision I’ll never regret. I’ve known of the stereotypes for fraternities and the brothers since I saw “Animal House” as a kid. Now that I am a part of a fraternity, I know that these stereotypes are not true at all. I want to be one of the ones who helps to get rid of the stereotypes since I’m someone who used to perpetuate them.”
5. What do these Greek members want you to know?
Lantagne: “It’s a really big commitment. A lot of people tend to think that Greek life is like the movies and that people don’t really do anything but party. It’s a lot of work, and you must sacrifice your time for it. You have to be mindful of how much work you will have to put into it, it’s not just a hangout. You actually do a lot in the community, and a lot of people don’t know that.”
Pelletier: “Sororities and fraternities are not just about parties. There are plenty of academic fraternities on campus, and at the end of the day, we believe in education and helping out the community. That is way more important than any party.”
Slifka: “I just want people to know that it’s never a bad idea to go at least see what it’s about. It’s important in college that you get involved. It’s not for everybody, but people should give it a shot.”
