Some students on campus say joining a Greek organization can ruin close and long-term friendships and relationships. Others said it is about what the people do with their relationship or friendship.
You and your best friend have known each other since freshman year of high school. The two of you were so close that you decided to attend the same college.
Freshman year of college was so great. The two of you shared classes, a dorm room and hung out together every night, (in between studying that is).
But when sophomore year came, your best friend tells you that he or she wants to join a Greek organization. You give him or her your support as they begin. On the day of the probate show, you haven’t seen much of your best friend since they have been going through the process, so you show up with big balloons with their line number on them and any Greek paraphernalia you could find.
Afterwards, the two of you hug and you congratulate them and suddenly it hits you that your relationship may not ever be the same. He or she now has about 50 or more new best friends and you do not fit in the mix.
Next thing you know three months pass and you have not seen or talked to each other.
“My ex-boyfriend joined a fraternity and basically changed overnight,” explained Clarissa Clark a sophomore business administration student from Orlando. “He wanted to spend every night with his frat brothers and began to have sex with random girls who were groupies.”
Clark, 20, said she believes that her ex was trying to play the role and change to act like the others around him. She said only a strong-minded person can remain the same and value his or her past relationships.
Kenjay Williams, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., said that none of his friendships were affected negatively when he joined the fraternity.
“True friends will always be your true friends,” explained Williams, 23, a graduating senior from Denver. “A person’s perception of you might change but you have to stay true to yourself and not let it change you.”
Some students reveal that if you have your priorities straight you can maintain.
“My roommate Crystal and I have been friends since our freshman year,” explained Lauren Soloman, 21, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Soloman said that she is often asked how their friendship still works because Crystal is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
“The answer is simple. Greek letters and colors are not more important than a true friendship,” said Soloman, a third-year MBA student from Durham, N.C.
Ultimately it seems a friendship is what you make it, and everyone has different experiences.
Contact Lana Lockhart at llana531@aol.com