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Foust
urges Greeks to get involved
By
Ty Foust
Gavel Columnist
It
has been said before, and it will be uttered again:
“College is full of opportunities ... you
just have to find them.
Being
fortunate enough to attend an institution of higher
education, I can attest the preceding statement.
The abundance of possibilities that accompany
a college education is so great that, as students,
we have had to develop a defense against this
barrage of opportunities. The defense comes in
the form of the “What’s in it for me”
attitudes students use to decipher whether opportunities
should be pursued or ignored.
The
Greek community is not immune to this self-interested
mindset. My experience with this issue is a vivid
one, and something that, as a leader in my chapter,
I deal with daily, particularly during discussions
about recruitment. For example, when Greek chapters
recruit potential new members we are, in essence,
giving the person a sales pitch as to why he or
she should join our organization.
These
sales pitches usually include factors like the
importance of academics, the brotherhood and sisterhood
to be experienced, the community service events,
and all too often, the leadership positions that
will be attained. Leadership is put on a pedestal
during most Greek sales pitches, but in truth,
it is attained by only the few who seek it, and
in actuality, most people avoid it. It is true,
leadership is not a prerogative coveted by everyone.
For one reason or another, whether it is academically
related, the realization that others are more
qualified or a fear of public speaking, many people
rule out interest in assertive leadership roles.
With
this being true, it is impossible to expect that
everyone will exemplify the qualities of a great
leader as a result of “going Greek.”
It is time for the Greek community to consider,
and stress, a different benefit in our sales pitch,
as well as in our individual chapters. This fresh
facet of recruitment that I allude to is campus
involvement. Whether it be as a member of the
Undergraduate Student Government, a sports club,
scholarly discussion group, or a student publication,
campus involvement is necessary.
The
outward expansion of one’s personal talents
is a phase of growth much needed by any member
of the undergraduate Greek body.
While most chapters acknowledge it, and for the
most part, encourage it, the number of University
Greeks involved in non-Greek organizations has
definite room for improvement. While many Greeks
are involved in other activities and organizations,
far too many are content not to be. In an era
where apathy is a common accusation toward college
students, sadly, Greeks are held in an even darker
regard. I am sure that most of you can relate
to my experience: My chapter was founded on the
embodiment of goodwill toward others and productivity
on campus and in the community. Why then, are
so many Greek men and women complacent in their
habits of campus involvement?
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