Greek Speak: Dropping the pin – Understanding why Greek members drop pin

After going through recruitment, multiple socials and other crazy bonding moments with members of a fraternity or sorority, when a member drops pin it can come as a shock to everyone.

When someone “drops pin” they end their commitment and relationship to their fraternity or sorority and actually return their pin, which acts as a symbol of that member”s connection to their house. People drop pin all the time, but for members it can be tough when their brother or sister decides to drop.

Alexander Milles

A member of a Greek organization can choose to leave for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it”s because of financial issues, sometimes it”s because they couldn”t focus enough to keep up their GPA, or in some cases it”s because Greek life just isn”t for them. People in the Greek system should try to be understanding when someone leaves their house, but it isn”t always easy because of the close connections people form within a fraternity or sorority.

While Greek life can be filled with amazing positives, it also has its drawbacks. As a member of a Greek organization, I”d like to say every day is perfect, that every member is my best friend and that I made the right choice paying my hefty house bill. The truth is that I”ve had moments where I have thought about dropping everything, pin included, and walking away. But I”ve never given up.    

What”s always kept me from dropping pin is not my commitment to my brothers, but the bonds I have with them. I am convinced that joining my fraternity has made me a better person.

While staying in Greek life is something I highly recommend, I also recognize that Greek life isn”t for everyone. Each student has the right to be in an environment that makes them happy. While it can be easy to get hurt and feel like someone dropping pin is a personal attack, the decision to drop is almost never personal. If someone finds their house is not the best fit for them, it”s better for everyone.

No one should blame themselves for one of their members dropping pin, and no one should lose their friend because of them leaving an organization. Being in a Greek house is not for everyone, and people should keep that in mind.

Instead of shutting someone out, it can be good to talk to someone who is thinking of dropping pin. Tough decisions become easier when communicating the pros and cons with someone else. Often times just talking things out helps them make the decision and can make things more understandable for the rest of the house.

Not everyone has the courage to walk away from the positives of Greek life along with the negatives. A friend dropping pin doesn”t mean it has to be the end of the friendship. Most Greek organizations encourage their members to strive to be better people and to love others unconditionally, whether they”re Greek or not Greek.

Alexander Milles can be reached at [email protected]