Why I Joined Greek Life

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Joining a sorority here at SUNY Oswego really had a huge impact on my years here. My sisters are my best friends, my bridesmaids, and the girls I can cry to about anything. Growing up I had many friends, until high school that is. High school was a dark time for me. I never really fit into a friend group. People weren’t nice to me either. This is not a sad story though. High school is in my past. I came to SUNY Oswego and became a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon. The sorority has helped me network and find internships, but also is my home away from home. I really discovered myself within the sorority. I was able to hold leadership roles as a younger sister, but now it is super special to watch my younger sisters take on leadership roles now. Are you interested in joining Greek life? Here are some reasons why people joined Greek life.

 

“I joined Greek life because I was honestly struggling to make friends. I had my roommate who was interested in joining a sorority. I never really thought about it, but she convinced me. It was the best decision I have made in all my time here at SUNY Oswego.” – Alexa Shumway

 

“I decided to join Greek life for the strong sense of community. Greek life brought me close to so many amazing people inside my own organization as well as the others on campus!” – Mackenzie Wetzel

 

“I joined Greek life because I wanted o be a part of something bigger than myself and was really interested in giving back to the community.” – Sarah Henry

 

“I joined Greek life because I felt like I was looking for a place where I fit in. Once I joined I felt like I had this support system that I could have only dreamed of. It’s a huge community full of amazing people.” – Jaime Krasner

 

 

 

Clubs & Organizations: Tips For Getting Involved

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As I have written about in earlier posts, every year clubs and organizations hold meetings, table at involvement fairs, and attempt to gather a new base of members. Joining can be a scary and uncomfortable time for incoming students but it is something that should be sought after. While advice can seem as tedious as treading water, hearing out the ways in which other students have gotten involved and the tips and tricks they  can offer to students looking to be brought in, with open arms, into a variety of groups on campus can prove to be helpful and securing.

Here is some of that advice:

“I find Laker Life to be helpful because it lists all the clubs we have, so you can see if you want to join or make a new club if it doesn’t exist!”

–Maria Ruffino, Class of 2017 – Zoology Club member

“Try it out even if you don’t have experience. Most of the girls on our team came in never having played and love the sport now. You gain a ton of friends.”

–Rochel DeSilva, Class of 2016 –Club Rugby and Lifestyle’s Center Peer Educator member

Keep an open mind and to try new stuff.”

–Rhianna Franchini, Class of 2018, Shaun Cassidy Fan Club member and Residence Hall floor representative (Pictured left-right)

“My only advice to a person interested in joining  is to jump right in and get really involved from the start. The more you put in the effort now, the better you’re going to be.”

-Tatiana Gregory, Class of 2017 – Shaun Cassidy member and SAVAC assistant treasurer

To top off the above quick tips, here is a story of one student’s journey:

“I think something to remember is that no matter what passions or interests you have, Oswego has a club for you. I came here as a scared freshman with a love of music and a passion for teaching. It is all about research. I found Mu Beta Psi who were people with a love of music and I pledged and I can honestly say that I have a family with some of those people. I also came here with a passion for education and I found Mentor Oswego which is a club that mentors students in Oswego county and because of my passion and dedication I am now one of the three coordinators for the Mentor Oswego program. Don’t be afraid to try new things either.  I have always wanted to dance but either didn’t have the time, money or energy but as soon as I stepped into that first Del Sarte general meeting I was welcomed with open arms even if I didn’t know the difference between a ballet and a jazz shoe. Honestly just come to college, be yourself and there are people out there who are looking for a place to fit in just like you are.”

–Sarah Hill, Class of 2016 – Mentor Oswego site coordinator,  Del Sarte member, and Mu Beta Psi brother

 

No matter what, just remember that getting involved is important both for social and professional reasons. Clubs and organizations are fun and enjoyable entities that offer free work experience and entertainment!