|
What do other parents of Greeks have to say about Greek Life at Colorado State University? Please take a moment to read their experiences over the years.
When I sent my daughter off to college, I had the same concerns and trepidations that most mothers have when their children start this new chapter of their lives. I wanted the best for her. When she decided to participate in fall recruitment, I was somewhat apprehensive. I was concerned that she may give up her identity and her sense of self in order to be a part of a “group”. Although this would have been foreign to the behavior she displayed in high school, I felt that the potential was there. I was also concerned that she may join a sorority that differed from her values and her foundation. I was wrong.
My daughter ultimately decided to go through the recruitment process the fall of her first semester. She ended up joining a chapter, and we are both very happy with her decision. Her sorority filled a void in her life that happens when young women leave their home and friends for the first time. Her Greek sisters became her home away from home, her family, her friends, her confidants, and her study partners.
Greek Life participation has also given her numerous leadership opportunities. She has held positions of responsibility for her chapter as wells as for the Panhellenic Council. With her involvement in Greek Life, she was able to give back to the community through philanthropic activities available to the sisterhood. Ultimately, the sorority gave her opportunities and places to continue her development as a person and reach her full potential.
I am supportive and appreciative of the Greek Community at CSU. The experiences afforded my daughter life-long memories. The gifts she has received from this experience are priceless and will last for a lifetime. –Crystal G. Day
***
Almost three years ago, my son and I were attending Preview at Colorado State University in preparation for his freshman year. At one point, he told me that he was giving serious consideration to Greek Life. I have to admit that I was not very supportive as I remembered my days at CSU back in the 70’s. Back then, Greek Life meant parties, drinking, and not much else. To his credit, he did his homework and ultimately chose to join a fraternity. As he explained the programs, the academic standards, and through meeting the other young men involved, I began to realize that things had changed since my college days.
Today my son has become a very responsible citizen. He spends significant time volunteering his efforts to worthy causes. He has also become involved in the Interfraternal Council and was recently elected to his second executive position. Since joining his fraternity, his grades have increased substantially and so has his involvement within the University. I have to give credit for all of these things to his involvement in Greek Life.
We hear too much today about the various abuses at colleges and universities centered around Greek Life. I can assure you, from personal experience, that the whole story is much different. The young men and women that show good judgment and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that Greek Life has to offer are graduating to be the kind of generation that I, for one, am proud to see. –Ray W. Selvy
***
If I ever had any concerns about whether Greek Life would be right for my children or not, those doubts are now completely erased.
My oldest daughter went through sorority recruitment with the goal of finding a place to call home. She found a sorority whose values she admired as well as an organization filled with young women that she could form long-lasting friendships with. She has never regretted her decision. She feels that her sorority provided her with an instant family; people who would watch out for her, encourage her, and provide academic support and incentives. She has now graduated and still remains close friends with many of her sisters. They visit each other, despite living in different states, have been in each others’ weddings, and have ultimately formed warm and lasting friendships.
My younger daughter was somewhat more hesitant to go through the recruitment process. I encouraged her to try I was re-assuring her that she didn’t have to make any commitments if she didn’t find a sorority that she felt comfortable with. She had nothing to lose, right? On this premise, she decided to continue. As the experience went on, she became more and more excited about the young women she had met. She ultimately joined a sorority filled with young women with whom she felt “comfortable watching movies and eating popcorn in her pajamas with”. Her experience continues to be wonderful and fulfilling. Due to the activities, philanthropy events, and support from her friends and sisters, she is having a truly amazing and happy college experience.
I am grateful to the Greek Community for providing a caring, supportive, and enriching environment for my children in what might otherwise be a big and scary new world! –Patty Carroll
***
|
