All about campus, students fail to miss any of what seems to be hundreds of posters promot­ing a sorority or fraternity. There are posters for chapter meetings, candy bars, “get fit with”, tabling, and general information all de­signed to introduce perspective pledges to a new chapter.

Students may wonder what a fraternity or sorority is or what those letters on sweatshirts mean. Before one goes all “Greek”, students must take the time to research a chapter; learn their motto, which is who they are, and what their beliefs or ideals are. Students may also take into consideration whether the chap­ter aligns with personal beliefs or goals.

Understanding the history of Greek life will help students understand its future. An article written for Carnegie Mellon Uni­versity, titled “Fraternity and So­rority Life” said, “Sororities came about shortly after the Civil War on April 28, 1867 when women began to enter college and wanted something of their own.” Today, there are over 20 thousand frater­nity and sorority chapters nation­wide, with more than 12 million “Greeks.”

“Being a member of a Greek Organization is an amazing col­lege experience. Even after you graduate, you will be a member of your Greek organization for life. Those who join Greek life become more confident and out going,” Phi Sigma Sigma mem­ber Lindsey Soto said. “We be­gin to take on big responsibilities and become leaders. It also helps students with their schoolwork because you need a certain GPA to join a Greek Organization. We learn how to manage our time, gain social skills, and learn what it means to be a leader. Being Greek is something to be proud of.”

If a student is wondering if they got what it takes to join a chapter, Soto gave an insight into what most chapters look for in a potential pledge.

“One of the most important things for a potential new mem­ber to know is that they should be themselves when they are look­ing to join Greek life. Never try to be someone you’re not. Greek organizations will like you for who you are,” Soto said. “Po­tential new members should also be responsible and willing to be a leader. You are given many op­portunities to have a leadership role and its great when potential new members are willing to step up and prove what they can do.”

Pace and its chapters prepare for Spring Greek Week, and for one’s chance to join in a bond of friendship and camaraderie that, according to the members of the Greek organizations, is a lifetime strong bond.