Highlighting the fraternity and sorority life community at CSU.
Written by Faith-Ann G. English
"They think of seas of blonde hair and matching outfits made to make everyone look like a cheerleading squad. This is not the reality for many Greek life communities, especially not at CSU."
I grew up 20 minutes outside of one of the largest Greek life communities in the United States: Indiana University. In all my years visiting my local college town, I never imagined that I would consider joining a social sorority. I didn’t think that I fit the image of sorority girls portrayed in movies like “Legally Blonde.” Little did I know, joining a social organization would be one of the greatest experiences I would have in my college career so far.
I recently went through the formal recruitment process for the National Panhellenic Conference sororities at Cleveland State University (CSU), including Phi Mu, Delta Zeta and Theta Phi Alpha. Formal recruitment is what most people think of when they hear the word “rush” in association with Greek life. I want to preface by saying that Greek life at CSU is nothing like “Bama Rush” at University of Alabama.
When people think of Greek life, “Bama Rush” is the first thing that comes to mind. They think of crowds of tall, tanned girls in $400 dresses, Louboutin kitten heels and a whole collection of Cartier jewelry. They think of seas of blonde hair and matching outfits made to make everyone look like a cheerleading squad. This is not the reality for many Greek life communities, especially not at CSU.
At first, I was incredibly anxious. I was out of my comfort zone and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I discovered that the Greek life community at CSU is one of the most inviting and welcoming communities out there. I asked other people involved in fraternity and sorority life at CSU about their perspectives. Here is what they had to say:
Why did you choose to join your chapter?
“I chose my chapter because I wanted a close-knit, loving community that I could hang out with and know that I could rely on for support academically and in my personal life,” Ava Zilke, a member of Theta Phi Alpha, said.
“At an event I attended last summer, I met a lot of the brothers and was immediately welcomed,” Nick Hyatt, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said. “It felt like I had already known the guys for years.”
How do you think CSU is different from other Greek life communities?
“Because of our school size, I think it's easier for all the different orgs to get together and establish strong familial connections,” Ainsley Good, a member of Phi Sigma Rho, said. “There's no pressure to join one org over another, and no pressure to join one at all, which I think makes the experience as an outsider much more welcoming. Our community is so casual, it's beautiful.”
“I think CSU Greek life is chill in comparison to the madness people see online,” Zilke said. “Greek life is like a club, but for life. It's a group of people – really they're your chosen family – [who are] there for you in any capacity you need them.”
Why should other people join your chapter?
“Sororities are great for networking and establishing long-lasting friendships. With a smaller group you have the opportunity to get to know everyone!” Leilah Flores, a member from Phi Mu, said. “Also, it is an amazing time for you to volunteer and give back to the Cleveland community with girls you enjoy being around.”
One of Hyatt’s brothers echoed similar praise for Sigma Phi Epsilon.
“Other people should join my chapter because all the guys are really supportive and want to help you succeed in your education, leadership, friendship and help you become the best man you possibly can become,” Michael Bender said.
Greek life has become an important part of commuter and on-campus students alike. Joining a Greek organization can enhance your college experience by exposing you to networking possibilities, academic support and a family-like support system. Greek life is a whole lot more than parties and “Bama Rush.” Going Greek allows you to gain friends for life!
If you’re interested in exploring fraternity and sorority life at CSU, follow their Instagram, @clestate_fsl, for more information about upcoming recruitment events. Each organization will do recruitment a little differently, so if you know you’re interested in joining one, monitor their Instagram for important information and updates.