Greek Life is very active at the University of Arkansas. 26% of students here are in sororities and fraternities. Being an international student, the only thing I really knew about Greek Life when I first arrived to the University of Arkansas was from what I saw in movies or on television shows. I had no idea what being part of a Greek organization entailed, or what they were about. But, when I came to the University of Arkansas, my perspective got turned inside out. During orientation I saw girls rushing out on the lawns of the different sorority houses and was in awe. When I drove down Maple Street I felt the same way, amazed at all the people sitting and chanting on lawns. I had no idea what they were doing but I was so amused!
STAFF PHOTO SAMANTHA BAKER w @NWASamantha – 08/25/13 – Women involved in Greek Life call the Hogs at the Greek Theater Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville during Bid Day. Parice Bowser (cq), director of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas, said amongst the 10 different sorority houses, 1,218 bids to join went out on Sunday.
Greek Life does play an important role at the University of Arkansas. There are numerous events where you will see a ton of girls wearing tutus, or have their hair spray painted green and loving every minute of it. I am a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. which is a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities.
Most sororities, similar to my own, have philanthropies where we hold large charitable events and donate most of the proceeds. On top of doing something for a great cause, the process is also a ton of fun. My chapter, Lambda Theta, has a focus on lupus awareness. We hold the Michelle Wilson Walk-a-thon every year in honor of a past member that died from systemic lupus. We hold programs to raise lupus awareness and hand out purple ribbons. Another big philanthropy on campus is Breast Cancer Awareness by Zeta Tau Alpha.
Service is most definitely important, but another large factor that plays into Greek life if the bond of sisters or brothers that it develops. The bonds with those who wear the same letters as you are indescribable. You know that you will have someone to lean on when times get rough and that someone will always be there for you when you need them. Having a line or pledge class of girls that you know you can depend on is something that is truly special. Knowing that you have someone to go get ice cream with from Andy’s at all hours of the day is, a small, but significant benefit of having so many sisters. Sisterhood events are fun and exciting, and make you not want to leave your sisters at the end of the day. Greek Life is an amazing opportunity and a life changing experience.
I would encourage anyone to join a sorority. It truly made my college career that much better, and I wouldn’t trade my experience or sister for the world!
-Devenney, The Bahamas, ’16
For more information about Surprises for International Students About Greek Life, visit here.
