Bidding for Greek life has just come to a close here on campus and the fraternities and sororities are beginning to sort through their bids. As this comes to a close, many first-years are also starting to consider the benefits of bidding for Greek life next year.

Fraternities and sororities have been present in the United States since 1776 with the foundation of the first fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, at William and Mary College. Today fraternities and sororities continue to change and evolve since their foundation, but still offer a unique experience of friendship and trust.

The reputation of Greek life across the United States has a stigma of parties, binge-drinking, and sexual escapades which is only pervaded by movies such as Animal House and Neighbors. In reality, Greek life provides a great deal of opportunities for students on campus to get involved, volunteer and make connections.

To see some examples of the volunteer opportunities that Greek life provides it is only necessary to look around campus. Sigma Alpha Epsilon sponsors many events for cancer research, Omega Kappa hosts their yearly Africa Jam concert, Tau Mu Tau tries to raise awareness of suicide. Greek life is unique in its empathy for the community of the world and in how it brings that onto campus.

Greek life also allows you to connect with the members of your particular organization and to make friendships that will last you the rest of your life. Your brothers or sisters become a group of people you can count on to support you when you need help. You watch out for them as they watch out for you, and suddenly you’ve made more friends than you know what to do with.

When asked, current member of local fraternity Omega Kappa, Junior Jake Anderson said that he has no regrets about bidding Greek life his sophomore year. He says that it has provided him the opportunity to meet many new people in both fraternities and sororities as well as let him get involved in the community on campus and around St. Peter. His advice to any first-years on the fence about bidding Greek life is to take the leap because it is one of the best decisions he ever made.

Greek life can also be a boon to you outside of your time in college. It gives you the opportunity to connect with Alumni who were also part of Greek life on campus and through them find avenues into businesses and jobs later. One thing that is also unique to national fraternities and sororities is the chance to associate with members of different chapters of that organization from all across the country, and perhaps open up ways to travel to new places.

The stigma that exists around Greek life persists due to the actions of only a few individuals that have gotten national media coverage over the years. Gustavus also tries to help eliminate the opprobrium that Greek life faces by emphasizing the values that can be gained from involvement in an organization: Leadership, Service, and Scholarship.

Greek life is not for everyone, and the decision to join a local or national fraternity or sorority is not one that should be made lightly. However, for those who feel that it is the right decision for them and want to become involved on campus it can be a deeply rewarding experience.