Alpha Phi Reflection

My passion for my sorority grew exponentially during the fall of my sophomore year. Recruitment season had started and I was meeting loads of sweet, freshman girls. I loved getting to know the new faces, showing them the ropes and making them feel at home. In high school, I had never been close friends with underclassmen, so the experience of being an older “guide” was new for me. I loved it and I loved my freshmen friends.

All around the world sororities are a subculture or “a segment of society’s population” on most college campuses (Macionis 64). These sororities have their own language, norms, beliefs, and values. Most college campuses have many charters or different sororities to choose from when a student wants to pledge a sorority. On the Saint Francis University campus, there are seven sororities that a female student can belong to. Each sorority has a different philanthropy which is a foundation that the sorority stands behind. For example Delta Phi Epsilon stands behind the Educational Foundation, this foundation helps women get the education that they deserve. Sororities are known for creating a bond between girls that last a life time.

As I entered the Alpha’s Probate I heard the uproar from the supporters of the newly inducted young men. They chanted throughout the night and were so happy to be “Ice cold brothers”, although it meant so much more to them. It meant they would be a part of a brotherhood, forever. I plan to debunk the stereotype and gain a new perspective on fraternities, and more specifically ULM’s Eta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc.

Delta Zeta, 2017, described their sorority as different, always there for each other, and a support system. Individual members said, “my favorite part are the friends I have made,” “they are so strange, but they are the best,” and “people who don’t expect me to be something I’m not” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3MfD6lvt3w).

Over several decades, Greek life has been an integral part of colleges and universities throughout the United States. There is a high demand of “fitting in” in today’s society and a question that students, parents, and teachers alike often ask themselves is, “Does Greek life provide a more safe or harmful environment?” With strong evidence, it is absolutely absurd to believe that fraternities and sororities do more good than they do harm. Various statistics provide factual evidence as to why Greek life is a toxic and dangerous environment for many young adults. Between the rape culture, hazing, and delinquency linked to the students associated with Greek life, it is time that it comes to an end for good so that students may have a more safe and enjoyable college experience. Fraternities and Sororities should be banned off of college and university campuses due to the danger and drama associated with them.

When one first thinks of Greek life or a sorority the only thing that comes to mind is the social aspect. Most people don’t think of sororities as social institutions that envelop their own culture, with mannerisms, languages and customs that are unique to each individual organization. However, these institutions promote a common set of values that enable members to become connected in a way that has a more profound meaning than just social interaction. Greek organizations are good examples of how institutions can affect and be affected by social status and roles within the collegiate community. They are also a prime example of how race, class and gender can affect a social setting in both positive and negative manners.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated purpose is to be of service to all mankind dealing with critical issues in communities domestically and internationally. What I have grown to understand an envision a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to be, I accredit largely to the ladies of the Gamma Theta chapter. This has the result of attending many of the chapter’s events during my time at Hampton thus far. One of my favorite events was a screening of a documentary Girls Rising. I learned to appreciate every opportunity to learn and gain knowledge because in some parts of the world girls are restricted from receiving an education. A

Day in and day out we hear about high school and college students wanting to pursue a sorority and/or a fraternity based on the stereotypes these organizations uphold, well I chose to differ. I told myself if I ever decided to become a member of a sorority it would be based solely on their ethical standards, history, and values they are founded upon. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated consists of ladies of distinction and exemplary character who excel in scholarship, leadership, and service, which are qualities I have chosen to uphold. From my perspective, I encourage myself to maintain a respectable appearance and reputation which doing so inspires me to embrace my self-concept; which helps me confidently excel academically and

Between family legacies, traditions, and an abundance of college themed movies, books, and television shows, it would be difficult to find a prospective college student who is not familiar with the idea of “Greek life.” For the purpose of this essay, “Greek life” refers to the system employed by many colleges and universities to establish and maintain fraternities and sororities (primarily dominated by caucasian and economically advantages students). It is important to note the existence of fraternities and organizations outside of this stereotypical “Greek” realm, such as coeducational honor and service based fraternities, though even these are not fully exempt from detrimental practices. Fraternities and sororities are often looked down upon with a negative light for a number of reasons, some of which include dangerous hazing habits and unsavory social scenes. While there certainly are undeniable benefits and negatives within these systems, the biggest effect they have is on gender. “Greek life” in college is unhealthy due to its impact on post-college gender expectations by promoting party culture, encouraging misogyny through ingrained tradition, and indoctrinating women into subservience at an impressionable age.

Going into college, I knew that I wanted to join a fraternity, but I was not thoroughly sure which one to choose or which ones stood for what. During the organization fair, the President of Sigma Phi Epsilon showcased his fraternity with all of his statistics about his brothers. They have had the highest G.P.A. four semesters in a row, Chapter of the Year for two consecutive years, and the aspect of Sigma Phi Epsilon that caught my attention was their intramural success- softball in particular. Holding that championship title, I knew at this point that Sigma Phi Epsilon was the right fraternity. The day that I signed my bid was an eventful day for me. Sigma Phi Epsilon continued to impress me at the first official meeting in Claypool-Young

While conducting research on the partnered sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, I discovered particularly fascinating attributes associated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. What fascinated me the most was the sorority’s distinct dedication to education, sisterhood, mentorship, and international service. I desire membership of the first organization people look to for help; that is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This sorority has made its way relevant from 1908 to modern day and progressively moving forward. I want to be able to say the same thing about myself.

Walking around a university’s campus any day of the week, one sees an array of Greek letters worn proudly by young men and women in the Greek system. Fraternities and sororities play a big part in a university. The Greek system can also be an easy target to direct criticism. There are those who oppose the Greek system and those who embrace it. Evan Wright opposes the Greek system in his article “Sister Act” that was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine. He uses examples from students at Ohio State University in Columbus to show his disapproval of the way sororities are now days. He portrays sorority girls as catty conformists who are obsessed with partying with fraternity

I learned so much about the things I was capable and not capable to do and about the foundation of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. The lovely ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. always made me feel very comfortable to the point that I was able to be myself around them. However, when I tried that with the other sorority members it did not felt the same way. The other sorority made me feel left out and uncomfortable when being around them and that’s something that Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. did not. Being able to talk one on one, ask for help and talk to the ladies like a regular friend was one of the reason why I chose Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority

Being in a sorority is very rewarding yet can be very time consuming. Each member that is part of a sorority has a huge role to play even if you do not hold a position within the organization. Alpha Sigma Alpha is a national sorority who is heavily involved with community service and their three national philanthropies, St. June Smith, Special Olympics, and Girls on the Run, as well as local philanthropy year after year. This source is located on Alpha Sigma Alpha’s national website that is dedicated towards the sorority’s service and giving. In this section their philanthropic statement states, “Life is not taking in only; it is giving out too. It is giving ourselves - freely - to other people, giving ourselves in comradeship, in understanding,

In this empowering keynote, Dr. Hart asks young men and women these questions, challenging them to return their organizations to an ethical pursuit of the highest standards of friendship. Through group discussion and targeted stories, Hart helps students see the realities, the possibilities, and a path forward. Hart is an avid participant in the Greek-letter community and has served Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity in a variety of roles. She currently works as the director of educational initiatives for Holmes Murphy Fraternity Practice. Lawrence Ross Blackballed College is a word that means many things to many people: a space for knowledge, a place to gain lifelong friends, and an opportunity to transcend one's socioeconomic station. Today, this word also recalls a slew of headlines that have revealed a dark and persistent world of racial politics on campus. Does this association disturb our idealized visions of what happens behind the ivied walls of higher learning? It should because racism on college campuses is as American as college football on fall Saturdays. Lawrence Ross, author of The Divine Nine and Blackballed, works to rip the veil off America's hidden secret: America's colleges have fostered a racist environment that makes them a hostile space for African American students. During this keynote, Lawrence talks about the white fraternity and sorority system with traditions of racist parties, songs, and assaults on black students and the universities themselves. With a