Personal Narrative: My Inexperience With Greek Life

The ancient Greeks with their brilliant and imaginative spirit created a complete order of things that functioned harmoniously in the infinite world that contained them. Although its exact origins are lost in time, Greek religion is thought to date from about the 2d millenium B.C., when the culture of Aryan invaders fused with those of the Aegean and Minoan peoples who had inhabited the region of Greece from Neolithic times [1]. The beginning and the genesis of this world occupied the ancient Greeks in much the same way it did the early people of every civilization. Greek religion was at the beginning a blend of Minoan, Egyptian, Asian, and other elements, but it subsequently evolved along with Greek thought.

Since the beginning of time the people of the world have their share of beliefs. Greek mythology is the arguably the most popular region of study. In Ancient Greece every citizen had a patron that would protect them and pantheism was commonplace. The Romans admired the Greeks in their art and culture and even took different aspects of their gods. Polytheism was widely accepted in all cultures so the seed of mythology bloomed. The time line of the creations of gods to the end of their reign is an important factor in Greek Mythology.

In Robert Garland’s book, Ancient Greece: Everyday Life in the Birthplace of Civilization, he illustrates what life was like for men, women, children, and slaves living in ancient Greece and the impact it had on modern civilization. Each city state of ancient Greece had their own rituals and beliefs that influenced everything from warfare to raising children. The question is, were these rituals and beliefs made up for the benefit of the state? Males and females had their own individual roles in serving the city state. There were rituals and beliefs specifically for children and their transition into adulthood. Greek children were raised and educated to be able to fulfill their roles to benefit the state.

Greek life, made up of sororities and fraternities, is prominent in many universities and colleges throughout the United States. Greek life is on all types of campuses ranging from public to private, and especially Ivy League schools. Those who choose to participate in Greek life have the opportunity to become members of sororities and fraternities specific to gender, religions, races, and even majors. Colleges and universities in the South have strong Greek life with many undergraduate students participating, and at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, twenty percent of undergraduates participate in Greek life. For many, Greek life is an important facet of their college experience. Getting involved in Greek life provides students with many opportunities, such as an expansion of their social circle, involvement in community service, and leadership opportunities. In addition, the students who participate in Greek life are less likely to drop out. While participating in Greek life provides students with benefits, downsides also occur on college campuses. Serious dangers range from hazing to drug and alcohol or abuse, or even sexual assault.

Greek Mythology originated around 775 B.C.E. It all started with Homer’s Iliad and continued on with Hesiod’s Theogany. These were the first two myths to be recorded in Greek Mythology. Both of these myths reveal to us about their understanding of the universe, and about their culture. Not only do they talk about their various gods, and heroes, but they also talk about how they viewed the universe in general (Rosenberg 79). Greek Mythology evolved from two early civilizations, the Mycenaean’s and the Minoans. It was the combining of these different Greek cities and Kingdoms during 10th century B.C. that created Greek Mythology. Its Geographic isolation gave it a place for mythologies to evolve (Gale Virtual Reference Library: Greek

By interviewing my participants, gathering information online, and from my own knowledge as a new member of Greek Life, I believe that Greek Life does receive a fair amount of negative criticism from the media but it isn’t without purpose. There are many bad eggs in Greek Life and they are the ones that cause the problems and it’s because of them fraternities and sororities have gained the reputation they currently have.

Greek life plays a major role in colleges and universities all across the United States. Greek life allows men and women to join an organization and create a long lasting bond, as brothers or sisters, which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. College campuses explore and boast about the positive impacts that Greek life has on students as well as the community around them. However, even with fraternities and sororities being on college campuses for decades, few people outside the Greek life community have discovered the real, enduring process that it takes to become a "brother" or "sister". Throughout my research, I will be focusing on the negative effects that fraternities and sororities pose upon pledges. This includes hazing

In “Examining the Benefits of Greek Life.” Nicole Glass explains why she believes that Greek life is a great opportunity for students in public universities. Nicole gives multiple examples of famous people in history that were in sororities. Nicole explains that the Greek life system gives students opportunity to make friends that will be with for life, have fun at parties, and learn leadership skills that students will use for the rest of their lives. The author points out that the sororities/ fraternities have a very bad name in the press, but the hazing is very rare throughout the Greek system.

Have you ever seen the television series Greek? It is full of sex, drugs, and alcohol; the three main elements that make up a typical frat boy or sorority girl’s life. Students involved in Greek life are always throwing wild parties and drinking until they pass out, getting involved in the drama of who slept with whose boyfriend, sending their pledges on crazy tasks in the middle of the night, and never seeming to take any responsibility. However, there is only one thing missing from this hit series; the truth. Greek life is not how it appears on television, my sorority embodies much more than that. Tri Sigma establishes meaningful friendships, builds character, and promotes community involvement.

Four years ago, I walked onto Florida State University’s campus unaware of the trials and tribulations that lie ahead. My excitement became overpowered by the fear of starting a new journey all while attempting to find myself, my dreams and my future. As I reflect on the experiences that I have encountered through the leadership, service and international engagement areas, I have seen immiscible growth in myself as a student and a leader. The Garnet and Gold Scholar Society program has provided me with interpersonal, critical- thinking and project management skills that are necessary for post-graduation and every-day life; along with much more. With the passion, authentic leadership, humility in serving and acceptance of diversity that I have gained, I will say goodbye to these four years excited to take on the new journey’s that lie ahead.

Children did not have to be kept in Greek society. Children could be left out in the wilderness, public, or temples. Anyone could pick up the abandoned children adopt them/put them into slavery. Boys were kept more than girls were because boys were considered strong, and girls were always a worry to their fathers. When girls were born, wool was put on the front door. Olive leaves were put on the front door when boys were born.

The decisions the people of ancient Greece made were impacted by the advice of the oracle at Delphi and predictive rituals. Most people living in ancient Greece took their belief in their pantheon of gods very seriously. Almost every aspect of life was "controlled" by one of the gods. As an example, the god of the sea was Poseidon so anyone making a sea journey would make an offering to Poseidon in order to sail safely. If they didn't do this, Poseidon might be offended and make a storm or something like that because they insulted him. Almost every aspect of life was "controlled" by one of the gods. For example, the god of the sea was Poseidon and so anyone making a sea journey would have to make an offering to Poseidon in order to have a safe

Furthermore, his attitude toward the chapter is an example to follow by all the members and officers who look at him as a born leader who is always ready to contribute to the chapter in every event the chapter is involved in. Although he is not an officer of the chapter, he is an active member. His involvement with the chapter and the contributions he makes give him an important voice in every meeting and activity he is a part of. As a member, he has the curiosity to know everything the chapter is doing in order for him to provide his help. For example, during our College Project, Joseph volunteered with the chapter every day he was available. Not only that, he also showed up during days he was not expected too, appearing between passing classes and helping as much as he could during the short periods of time he was available. As a member, he would engage students and encourage them to finish their associate’s degree. At the same time, he recruited new members for our local chapter, explaining to them the activities Phi Theta Kappa does on campus, its scholarship opportunities, and the leadership training members receive. Joseph’s work with the chapter is reflected in every meeting, where he motivates all the members to work as a team and pursue the same goals. For him, the word “competition” means, to make the chapter do its best in every project we are a part of. Thus, other members see him as an example to follow and a leader. As a member of the chapter, Joseph provides the value of honor, respect, rigor, and

Also, Alex and Matthew went to the same school that Anastasia and Andrew went. So, they got to see them. I ask Alex and Matthew a lot of questions. Rose and William were in Silver City so their son Jason was looking after Anastasia and Andrew. I ask Jason it would be ok if Anastasia and Andrew could visit us. Jason says they could. I was happy because I finally going to meet my grandchildren. We did not tell Anastasia who we were and we not planning telling them.

"A myth is a collective term denoting a symbolic narrative in religion, as distinguished from symbolic behavior (cult, ritual) and symbolic places or objects (temples, icons)". (The New Encyclopedia Britannica. Vol. 24)Mythology is a collection of myths meant to explain the universe. Mythological stories were told in many different cultures and civilizations. The existence of myths is known in every society. Many different myths were conceived to explain occurrences that happened in nature.