To be or ot to be....a frat boy?

Jorge Castillo

College is more than just studies and getting good grades, it's also an opportunity to develop leadership skills and meet new people, well at least to greek students. Although there is a stereotype that greek life is just partying and alcohol, there's more to it. There are actually many good values and skills fraternities and sororities cultivate among their members. By avoiding stereotypes and actually studying the pros and cons of greek life, student's may decide if going greek is appropriate for them and if it suites their lifestyle and ideals.

Every person has his or her own opinion about greek life depending on the stereotypes they may have on their minds or their backgrounds. In most cases students don't really know the pros and cons of greek life and so cannot make an informed decision as to whether greek life is for them. According to California State University, greek life is full with benefits one should be interested in incorporating into one's life. Some of these benefits include the opportunity to develop one's leadership potential, providing lifelong friendships, building character through philanthropic events, and academic support.

Many students opt to join a fraternity/sorority for other reasons. These may be for the parties, to build up their resume, or making connections in the world with other brothers/sisters. Connections are very helpful since they can make finding a job easier. It isn't the first time we hear of someone who randomly meets a member from another chapter of his fraternity/sorority and end up getting offered a job on the spot.

Although there are many benefits in becoming part of the greek life in campus, there's also a negative side. All of this doesn't come for free, being greek requires a large investment of money. Costs involved with greek life may range from the $500s to the $5000s, depending on your university and which chapter you are pledging. Time is also a major issue since there are many mandatory meetings and activities one is supposed to attend while being a member. Members must adapt their schedules giving priority to these activities, something that may be tough to most college students.

There are many points of view in this topic and there is no right or wrong answer. One must think deeply about all the pros and cons and if one's values go along with those of the fraternity/sorority. After analyzing your options, whether to join or not is your call.