By: Dear Carl

Dear Carl
Fri, 24 Apr 2015 13:17:44 +0000

Dear Carl,
If you believe that all Greek students have their parents pay their dues and donate to their causes, you are severely misinformed. Yes, some Greek members come from families who are very financially stable, but there are many MANY members who paid their own way through the years in their organization. I, myself, took classes full time, was involved in several organizations on campus, assisted a professional program with research, and also worked 15 hours a week. I had a full plate during undergrad, but managed to earn scholarships and work for my chapter dues. I kept a 3.3 GPA over 4 years and was admitted to an amazing professional program here at OSU I came from a small hometown and graduated from a public high school in rural Ohio. My parents, one is a nurse and one is a self employed farmer, not exactly the elitist lifestyle you describe.

My philanthropic efforts were also very sound. Over 4 years I can gladly say that I raised over 5k individually through personal letters and thousands more with the events we put on as a chapter. My parents, donated a simple $25 a year to the organization I love so much.
Diversity also does exist in these organizations at osu. There are many professional Greek chapters and multicultural chapters. In my Greek family alone, I was blessed with an African American women, and also a women of Asian descent. My chapter also had other women who were African american, asian, and even a women from Italy. Women who are catholic, methodist, jewish, and athiest. Heterosexual women, homosexual women, and even bisexuals women. Many of these women I may not have met or become true friends with if it were not for this organization which we all found a common bond and love for.

Many Greek members are leaders of organizations because of the confidence and skills we have learned through our Greek organizations. Our chapters give us support and confidence to raise our voice and share our opinions. I was a strong individual before, but after going out of my comfort zone and joining Greek life, I can honestly say I am a much more confident and independent women.

I would personally like to challenge you to truly get to know multiple people in Greek life. The assumptions you made to Greek life as a whole were rude and degrading. Look up some of the purposes of these organizations. They were created for good and to strengthen each other. Yes, these organizations have parties, yes the public hears about the unfortunate events that happen in Greek life, but how often do you hear about the good. Do you hear about the brothers or sisters that surround a fellow member with support when going through a rough time, such as financial troubles, emotional instability, school stress, or even family or friend loss? It is unfortunately true, that from the outside looking in, you can never truly understand it and from the inside looking out, you can never truly explain it.

If you have any questions about Greek life, I’m sure if you asked a member they would be willing to share because many people are misinformed just as I believe you are.