Greek Life at UCSD: How Can it be Beneficial?

Introduction

We’ve all heard about stereotypes, horror stories, and so many more negative things about Greek life. When I was gearing up to go to college, I hadn’t thought about whether I was going to join Greek life. I didn’t know many people older than me from home that were in it, my mom wasn’t in Greek life, and like a lot of people, I didn’t think I fit in with all the stereotypes. Then I heard the name “UC Socially Dead.” And that changed everything for me. I panicked that I was going to have a horrible college experience and not make any friends. Luckily, I have a friend that lives in California in the grade above me so she was bound to know someone that goes to UCSD, right? Well, she did, and that girl probably single-handedly changed my college experience forever. I had one phone call with this girl, thought she sounded awesome, found out she was in Greek life, and instantly decided that was what I had to do. Now, not only is she the President of the sorority that I am in and on the executive board of, but she is also one of my very best friends. 

I’m sure you could guess by that introduction, that I have good things to say about Greek life at UCSD. However, I don’t want to make anyone feel like Greek life is a must-do. UCSD is what you make of it and it is 100% possible to have a great college experience without joining Greek life.

Debunking Theories

Before I get into what makes Greek life at UCSD special to me, I want to debunk a few theories. First, it is absolutely possible to be friends with people outside of your chapter. Some of my closest friends are in different chapters or not in Greek life at all. Second, there is no hazing after getting a bid from a sorority at UCSD (*at least that I know of*). I believe that the Panhellenic Council at UCSD does a great job of making sure everyone is safe and all of us women support each other #panhelleniclove. Third, you don’t have to be a peppy girly girl to be in Greek life. There is a chapter for everyone and it is very possible to find people with similar interests and personality traits to you.

The Value Greek Life Has Brought to Me

There are many different reasons that people choose to join Greek life. It could be because they want to make new friends, leadership opportunities, follow their parents’ legacy, etc. Like I already said, I heard “UC Socially Dead” and made a decision based on that. But also, I knew I was moving across the country where I didn’t know anyone and wanted a new “family” at UCSD (or at least that’s what I said during recruitment) and Greek life has brought me that! I am so close to so many girls in my chapter, older and younger, and wouldn’t trade those friendships for the world. 

Another thing that Greek life brought me is leadership opportunities. In the winter quarter of my freshman year, I became the Executive Administrator for Alpha Phi. While this was a stressful role at times, I definitely learned a lot about time management, being a leader, and collaborating with a team. At my internship at the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, I am seeing a lot of the skills that I learned from this role come into play. I often say that the Chamber of Commerce is like a sorority for businesses. It’s all about networking at the end of the day! In my second year at UCSD, I became the Vice President of New Member Education and Member Experience for Alpha Phi. With this role came more responsibility as I now had my own team of directors, and it was again a really great learning experience. I learned about the type of leader that I want to be and the culture that I wish to build as a leader. I also learned that your mindset on everything is key to success or failure. In this role, I planned events for the chapter and it could be really frustrating at times. When people didn’t read my messages, RSVP to events, or would cancel last minute, I would get really upset and forget why I was on the executive board. But at the end of the day, whenever I was really energized and excited when planning events and getting all crafty, I would have the most fun. I planned a senior banquet and was so excited that it also uplifted others working with me. That has always been my advice for my successors as well. When you have fun, the position is fun. 

I also want to shout out my “sorority family”. We are a tight-knit group, all in different grades, and they have had such a large impact on my experience at UCSD. My big and G-big are the people I go to for advice whether it be about friends, planning classes, or going abroad. They always know just how to help me. And my little (who sometimes feels like my big) has always been my shoulder to cry on but also someone I hope I can be a confidant and mentor to. The support that I have received from all of these girls is the reason that I have gotten through my rough phases at UCSD. Greek life gives you the opportunity to connect with people that are older and younger which can open up new perspectives, advice, and networking. 

Lastly, philanthropy! Participating in other chapters’ phil events is always so fun because you are supporting a good cause while also making new friends. Sometimes the events also force you to try something new. I once participated in a synchronized swimming event which I never thought I would do! For my own chapter’s philanthropy (shoutout to women’s heart health!), I always feel so accomplished when we find out how much we raised. I am so proud of what my chapter has accomplished when it comes to philanthropy. 

Conclusion

While it is easy to point out the negative sides of Greek life, there are a lot of positive variables overlooked. In Greek life or not, we all are awesome and can be friends, but this has been my very positive experience 🙂