Students are usually faced with the choice of joining a fraternity or sorority or flying solo when they get to college, and both options have certain pros and cons. Joining Greek life means that you’ll have certain perks and privileges, but many responsibilities too. There might be aspects of Greek life that you weren’t aware of too, and while some of these can be beneficial, some of them may not be in line with what you want from your school experience. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of joining a sorority and fraternity so you can make the right choice for yourself.
Pro – Great Networking Opportunities
If you are wondering if belonging to a sorority can truly help you with your prospects in life, the answer is, yes they can. Members get to form real bonds, and members, no matter their age and when they were inducted, will indescribably relate to each other. Knowing that someone responsible for recruiting at a company was a member of the same organization as you will help you break the ice and will give you an advantage. You may also be referred by current members. All of this will give you a leg up when you’re looking for a position once you leave college and it could help you throughout your professional career.
Con – Getting in is Hard Work
You have to be ready to put in a lot of work to get into any of these organizations. They need to keep their membership exclusive or else it will lose its value, so they have to make sure that the people who want to get in truly deserve it. It’s also a form of respect for the people who came before them and had to put in work to get in.
You should know, however, that brutal hazing tactics are forbidden, and if you are currently in the process of being admitted into a sorority or fraternity and you have suffered an injury from hazing, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
If that’s your case, then you should consider a hazing lawyer firm like Romanucci and Blandin to represent you. Cases like these can be very complex with many possible liable parties, so work with a team that is used to and specializes in these types of cases if you want to get maximum compensation.
Pro – Philanthropy
Virtually all Greek organizations focus heavily on charity and philanthropic work and becoming a member will make you a better member of your community. You’ll also get the chance to see how philanthropic work helps people on the ground and experience the joys and benefits of giving back.
Con – Social Pressure
Belonging to Greek life comes with stereotyping. Different fraternities and sororities are known for attracting certain kinds of members, and you have to be ready to bear some of that stigma. You do have to accept that you chose that organization, however, and should pick one that aligns with your visions and values.
Not everyone is meant to join a sorority or fraternity, and you should not feel forced to do it. You do have to know that they come with many benefits, however, and they could make life in college and after much easier for you depending on your profile.
