I have never really had much interest in Greek life.

From an outsider’s perspective, or at least from my perspective, it seems like a waste of money – money that could be put toward more rewarding experiences.

However, I also understand that the fraternities and sororities depicted in countless movies are typically gross misrepresentations or exaggerations (though they certainly create exceptions).

I have seen people sporting their Greek life chapter’s letters on campus, and most of them look like respectable and functioning members of society. Heck, I’m even friends or acquaintances with people who have letters.

But I don’t think Greek life is a necessary establishment.

I have heard the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority: brotherhood or sisterhood, social interactions, networking and professional opportunities. Granted, these are all great reasons to get involved.

I just can’t help but wonder why people need to join such a tightly-knit group in order to do this. Why should people pay to do something you can already do in life for free?

As an English major and a student studying creative writing, I have gotten to know many of the people I have classes with. We have become peers and will likely stay in touch with each other throughout our future endeavors and professional careers.

Now, with the accessibility of social media websites or applications like LinkedIn – essentially just networking made simple – it seems like you don’t even need a physical social structure to accomplish this.

Outside of my immediate peers, I have managed to make plenty of friends and acquaintances during my time at USI without pledging to a fraternity. In a way, I think not pledging allows for a more open-ended opportunity to meet people.

Think about it – Greek life usually socializes with Greek life, at least primarily. As for me, I socialize with just about anyone.

I’ve changed a lot as a person because of these random and unpredictable interactions.

The only real difference between fraternities, sororities and everybody else seems to be this idea of exclusion, which I think is fine to an extent.

You can have your friend group. You can have your support system. Just don’t be afraid to venture outside of it. Instead, be afraid to stagnate.