The University of Idaho was founded in 1889 with Greek life following suit.
With 20% of UI’s population being Greek and a long line of family tradition through UI graduates, you may assume it is a decision for you.
As a member of a Greek organization, I know Greek life is not for everyone —and that is OK.
Greek legacies were never something I understood or ever thought about being a part of until I came to UI.
For me, the decision to go Greek was not something that came easily. But after some consideration, I took the leap.
Creating life-long friendships, finding your people and getting involved are all major positives to Greek life.
But Greek life isn’t it for everyone.
Alex Brizee | Argonaut
Arriving in Moscow from Miami, Florida, I knew there would be an adjustment period, but having a place to call home allowed me to adapt before staring college.
Delta Zeta Sorority gave me that.
But with close to 200 student organizations on campus, UI has more than just Greek life for students to find a “home.”
Working as an editor for two student media organizations and an active student in the College of Art & Architecture, Delta Zeta is just one of the places on campus that has become my home.
While the physical structure of a home — especially for first-year students — is something that can offer stability, it is not completely about where you live.
No matter if you choose Greek housing, the residence halls or off-campus living, make sure you find your people because they will make your college experience.
The positives and negatives of Greek life can be weighed however you would like. But it comes down to who you are, what you need and want from college.
Yes, the stereotypes of dumb, drunk and privileged college students joining Greek life is well projected and these perceptions are just that — stereotypes. It doesn’t discredit that a percentage of Greek students drink more than the average college student and that you do pay more to be a Greek student, at least at UI.
But our G.P.A’s do tend to be higher.
Whether you are a first-year student or fourth-year student, try out your options. Go to Greek life event’s — Panhellenic, fraternal or multicultural. Attend an event in Wallace residence halls or the tower. And explore everything the City of Moscow has to offer.
Just because students are part of one organization doesn’t mean they only have to be part of that one.
Some of my closet friends come from the my major, my own sorority, other sorority’s and work.
Some of us may be or become Greek — or not. That doesn’t have to define your place on this campus.
Alex Brizee can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @alex_brizee