Hey Readers!
I wanted to remind you that we LOVE hearing your questions and thoughts. Please share any of your comments with us. I received the following email and I wanted to share our conversation with you all:
"Hello, I recently applied to Chapman as a film production major and am eagerly awaiting my admission decision. I was reading your blog as a way of distraction from camping out at my mailbox and I have a question for you. A lot of the posts I was reading mentioned Greek life and activities in some way or another. I was wondering how dominant Greek life may be on campus. I do not think I would like to join a sorority at this point, but I don't want to be left without a social life either. What have been your observations on this topic? Thank you!"
I am so happy to hear you applied to Chapman. I can assure you that joining Greek life will not make, or break, your experience in college. I am a Junior and I have not been involved in Greek life, but I am greatly enjoying my college experience. Chapman is a relatively small school, our student population is just over 6,000. Our small student body makes it easier to meet people without joining a club, Greek life or athletics. I would encourage you to pursue an activity you are interested in rather than worry about joining a club/Greek life just to make friends.
You are much more likely to find students who share your same ideas and opinions if you join an activity that interests you. Spend your first semester on campus participating in all kind of clubs and student activities, such as AS, Res Life, Clubs, Greek life. You never know where you will fit in best. I would recommend going through Greek Life recruitment (more commonly know as rush) to see if you connect with any of the chapters. I participated in recruitment my freshmen year, but decided Greek Life was not for me. Instead I ran for Student Council and became a member of AS. Chapman offers a variety of options for students. If you live on campus, your Residence Life staff will be dedicated to ensuring that your first year is a success.
In short, don't force your self to join an activity that does not actually interest you. Give yourself time to make the best decision. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a lifetime commitment. You can participate in the 6 week recruitment without being initiated into the chapter. Recruitment happens every year so don't feel pressured to join as a freshman. You can be involved in Greek life even if you are not in a fraternity or sorority. Some of my closest friends are in Greek life and I attend Greek events with them all the time. Greek Life does an awesome job of including the entire student body in their activities. Participate in a few activities with them before you join.
Best of luck in college!
Sasha
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