Greek mythology: Sorority fact or fiction

QWhat do you think is the connection between sororities and parties? 

 

NON-GREEK: I only know what I see on TV, which can’t be that accurate.

Hannah Potter, junior

GREEK: I think of mixers. A lot of our events are geared more toward philanthropy events or awareness. I think of more fun events that are positive like roller-skating. 

Melissa Heinitz, junior, Recruitment Team

 

Q: How much do you think it costs to be in a sorority?

 

NON-GREEK: Roughly a thousand a year. With the cost, work you do and the requirements, I’d rather spend time at a job and get paid.

Norma Myers, sophomore

GREEK: You get out of it what you put into it. For Alpha Phi, it depends if you live in the house or not. Live-ins pay $300 per month and the rest of us pay $100 per month, but I get scholarships and references from my sorority. 

Jordan Reece, junior, Alpha Phi

 

Q: Is there a common stigma that goes along with being a sorority member?

 

NON-GREEK: Sometimes it feels like they are saying, “I’m better than you because I’m part of this.” 

Samm Allen, senior

GREEK: Personally, I know people think that we haze. People tell me, “Don’t they beat you up?” or “They make you do this or that.”

Brittany Carson, senior, Zeta Phi Theta

 

Q: You think Greeks get good grades?

 

NON-GREEK: I think they get decent grades, average. I think it depends on some of them. I think the girls get better grades. It depends on the character of the person, not their chapter.

Cynthia Le, sophomore

GREEK: I think we do because we have people in our houses that help us study. It’s good to have people there who have the same major, and help you catch up. Plus, you have to have a 3.0 to get in and run for any positions. 

Allison Schultz, sophomore, Alpha Phi

 

Q: What do you think is the purpose of being in a sorority?

 

NON-GREEK: Wichita is not a college town. You can get the college experience being Greek.

Anna Pekarsky, senior

GREEK: Overall, the things we do, like sisterhood, is a bond tighter than friendship and philanthropic efforts.

Chelsey Dey, junior, Recruitment Team 

 

Q:

 Why did you decide to be Greek or not be Greek? NON-GREEK: I have a busy schedule. I don’t have time. 

Stephanie Tryon, senior

GREEK: Because when I came here all my friends went to different colleges. I was really lonely, and I wasn’t involved a lot. Someone encouraged me to go Greek, and it was the best decision I ever made. 

Samira Toubia, senior, Tri Delta

 

Q: You think there is rivalry between the chapters? 

 

NON-GREEK: Yes, but it’s also school-encouraged. Hippodrome encourages rivalry. 

Samm Allen, senior

GREEK: No, not really. There is friendly competition like Hippodrome, but I have good friends in each sorority. 

Arielle Steck, sophomore, Tri Delta

 

Q: Why do sorority members have secrets? 

 

NON-GREEK: It’s a society for a group of people, and they need something to create a bond. It’s a way for them to become closer to each other. 

Krista Sheldon, senior

GREEK: We don’t call them secrets. Part of our ritual is what makes us special as a sisterhood, and what we get to share as initiated members. 

Olivia Sullivan, junior, Delta Gamma

 

Q: What do you think are the qualifications to be in a sorority?

 

NON-GREEK: Good grades, good social skills and you have to be involved. 

Taylor Garon, freshman

GREEK: High academic GPA, community service background and leadership potential. You have to realize you are not working for yourself, but you are working for your community.

Kristina Durham, junior, Delta Sigma Theta