By: Kimberly Alphonso, Staff writer
Society has a very precise view about Greek life organizations on college campuses.
The most typical stereotype people tend to associate members of these organizations with is wasting away their college years doing nothing but partying, drinking and drugs. There have been horror stories about fraternities and sororities taking part in outrageous, inappropriate and sometimes downright cruel behaviors. From a sorority using segregation within the chapter, to a fraternity accidentally killing a pledge during hazing, many believe there is an endless list of reasons why Greek life is bad for a campus.
But most of these occurrences aren’t happening at small schools like Lebanon Valley College. They’re usually centered at bigger colleges where the environment is very different than it is at LVC. Most students attending this intimate college don’t see the Greek life organizations the way students at a huge school view their frats and sororities.
According to Abigail Corbin, who is the president of Alpha Sigma Tau, a big factor that makes LVC Greek life better than the stereotypes is simply knowing people on a personal level.
“Knowing everyone’s name makes a huge difference,” Corbin said. “Here you have a relationship with each person individually where as at big schools you may not know anything about a lot of people.”
Corbin explains that having a relationship with each person is important because it gives her a huge support system. Phi Sigma Sigma President Caitlin Dryden also emphasizes how much being in a smaller setting can allow for a closer-knit group.
“Being in a smaller size sorority really allows us to work together,” Dryden said.
Both Alpha Sigma Tau and Phi Sigma Sigma use their teamwork for the greater good by participating charity work. Phi Sigma Sigma collects can tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House, helps spread distracted driving awareness and work towards promoting children literacy.
Members of Alpha Sigma Tau participate in an event called, “Treats for Troops” for service members and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. In fact, all of the sororities on campus whether they are considered social or service, participate in some community service.
Another strong theme within Greek life at LVC is growth. Many members of Greek life at LVC say that it has transitioned them into a better version of themselves.
“I learned a lot about loyalty, inclusiveness and leadership from being in a Greek life organization.” Josh Rinehimer, who became a member of Phi Lambda Sigma, said. “I feel like I work a lot harder and set higher expectations for myself since I joined Phi Lambda Sigma.”
Abigail Corbin of Alpha Sigma Tau feels the same way.
“After I joined, I got the Vice President position pretty early on and by the next semester, I was given the President position which has given me tremendous opportunities,” Corbin said.
The Greek life organizations at LVC are able to focus more on empowering each individual member and not just the organization itself.
“I just feel a lot more confident, brave and accepting since joining Phi Sigma Sigma,” Jess Kellstrom said.
LVC students describe their experiences with one word – inclusivity.
“It’s not clickish at all,” Kellstrom said. “We all spend time with everyone in the sorority and we hang out with people outside of Greek life all the time.”
Ultimately it is up to each student to decide for himself or herself if Greek life would have a positive impact on his or her life, but it’s important that they keep in mind that every school is different and by extension the Greek life at every school is different.