Students blog

Despite common misconceptions, there is no cookie cutter Greek man or woman. Every Greek organization is different, and I’d like to share my personal experiences. Each school and chapter has different rules, regulations, values, rituals and characteristics. The popularity of sororities and fraternities in the United States has grown since the 1800’s, and universities around the world have similar systems and organizations.  

From the outside looking in, Greek life can seem pretty confusing, and it can be confusing on the inside as well. I do not understand everything that my sorority does. Some of the rituals and traditions seem old fashioned, but being part of a tradition that has been in place for over a century is an incredible feeling.  It is a bond that I share with my sisters. Yes our organization’s crest is unusual, and the motto may or may not translate to what Wikipedia says, but knowing the true meanings and values expressed in these gives me a sense of pride in the organization. And it’s just fun knowing the secret.

Here is a small but realistic list for Greek Life to try to give you a better understanding:

Dues

Dues can get a bit pricey, but like all things Greek, they are different from chapter to chapter. People often think that in Greek life you are “paying for your friends.” In my opinion, I’m not paying for my friends, I am paying for fun things I can do with my friends: philanthropy events, family weekends, movie nights, lunch in our chapter’s house, exchanges, and so much more. Events big enough to host over 300 people (the size of my chapter) are going to be costly. The best thing about dues is that most chapters are willing to work with you through a payment plan or some other form of assistance.

Membership

I “know” everyone in my sorority but I only truly have a connection with about 50. But even if I knew everyone, there is no possible way to make 300 girls get along with each other and be best friends. It’s just not possible.  Like I said before, there is no cookie cutter Greek man or woman; there are countless personality types and sometimes clashes come with this diversity. The inevitable fact is that you will not like everyone, but being in that organization exposes you to those people you would have never met without that common bond. Each person is unique and there is a place for everyone; it just may not be next to you at Monday’s chapter meeting.  

Time commitment

Speaking of meetings, there are a lot of them. I didn’t realize the time commitment being in a sorority requires. Weekly meetings, committee assignments, recruitment and leadership workshops, volunteer hours and mandatory event shifts start to add up after a while. Before you know it the semester will end, but you’ll look back and be proud of everything you and your chapter have accomplished.  

Academics

The average GPA of Greek men and women is usually higher than the campus average. Greek organizations have academic requirements for members to remain active.  Older members often offer advice on which classes to take and what professors to avoid. Some chapters have peer tutors and academic mentors to help members achieve their academic goals.

Being a member of a sorority has changed my college experience. I’ve found that the benefits of Greek life far outweigh the costs.  I have met so many wonderful, confident, kind-hearted women and have been able to grow as a leader, a student and a friend. Greek life has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to break out of my shell. It has given me lifelong friends and a network of people I can count on both now and in the future.

College is a period of trials and lessons, and this becomes evident by the college experiences that have shaped me and the things that I have learned. While I’ve had a few small college regrets, such as maybe not attending one specific college event or trying other smaller extracurricular experiences, the biggest college regret that I have is not taking that one English class I truly wanted.

My first semester of college I took an English II level course and since I wasn’t well informed I ended up taking a general English II course, when I could have taken a specific English course that was specifically suited for my major in Mass Communication. This lack of knowledge from my part came from a combination of not doing enough research about what courses I exactly needed to take for my major and also considering a non-academic adviser’s suggestion over what I personally thought.

Although I don’t regret what I learned from my English course or my teacher, because I truly learned a lot from my teacher (turns out he actually studied at the same school and majored in a similar degree to what I’ll be applying to), I do regret not being a more informed student and considering exploring more class options so I would have taken a more solid decision reflective of my specific educational path.

So, this part goes out to any college freshmen or students still in college: it is never too late to learn more about your specific major. Do you know what specific courses you need for your major, especially if you’ll be transferring to another school? What about college clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities related to your major? If you know what school(s) you’ll be applying to, check their requirements and recommendations for transfer so you can incorporate them in your decision making when selecting which classes to take so you can increase your chances of getting accepted, make sure more course credits get transferred if you get accepted, and simply to ease your transfer.

It is never too early to plan what courses you’d like to take so you can make a more informed decision and incorporate a good selection of classes. Talk to academic counselors, admissions at the school(s) you’ll be applying to and to other students who studied your major for recommendations, but also consider what’s best for your unique career interests and educational path: what do YOU want? What specific programs of study and schools have your attention, and what will help you get there?

Although having some college regrets, both big and small, are often a part of the college experience that most college students deal with, we can reduce the extent and quantity of them by being more informed about what exactly we want to get out from our time in college. Don’t let fear or not being informed enough define what you think you can do and how you choose to act. Consider your goals, become informed about what specific classes are required and recommended for your major, and take that class that you want!

Have you ever been interested in why people do what they do? Have you wondered what processes and pathways the brain uses to help you stay focused? These answers may be found in the field of psychology. Psychology is such a diverse field of science that may be right for you! Unlike hard sciences, psychology is like sociology in that it focuses on people, but instead of the global or societal level, it takes it to a personal one.

People and their behavior are what I find intriguing, and therefore I first decided to study psychology. Little did I know, there is so much more to psychology than the cognition or development. There are many subfields just waiting to be explored.

I took a course on positive psychology this semester. Upon taking the class, I learned that positive psychology is not just “how to be happy.” It is about broadening the traditional methods of psychology that focus on the negative views of mental illness and human behavior, to include the positive and beneficial view that helps our well-being. Positive psychology is all about how to find out the positive traits and strengths we as humans have, analyzing theories regarding what positive behaviors and cognitions are related to higher life satisfaction, and so much more.

Experimental psychology, another subfield of psychology, focuses on research with experimental methods. One of my classes I am taking is a research methods class and I have learned how experimental methods of research differ from non-experimental methods. For instance, a survey you take online that may be part of a research study isn’t a real experimental study. It is a study, but the questionnaires themselves are not part of experimental research. What is the difference? Well, experimental studies manipulate the independent variable, while non-experimental studies don’t.

Are you interested in health? The field of health psychology is another fascinating field. Like positive psychology, health psychology also focuses on character strengths, but it is more in relation to our health behaviors, physical, emotional, and psychological health. Health psychologists try to figure out treatments for patients in a variety of settings and focus on their whole well being, a concept known as the biopsychosocial perspective. That is, they consider the impact of biology, psychology, and the social influences in a person’s life and their impact on one’s quality of life and health.

A popular area of interest in psychology is counseling. Counseling psychology is very like clinical psychology in that it aims to treat clients using therapeutic methods. The differences between these two fields are minimal, but essentially, counseling psychologists focus on the lesser mental health concerns, such as relationships concerns or mild forms of disorders, while clinical psychologists focus on more serious disorders, such as schizophrenia, and major depression.

One of the fields I am interested in is neuropsychology. This is the study of the brain and how certain behavior is modified by certain pathways and connections within the nervous system.

Whatever field you are interested in, know that psychology is focused on the individual and how findings relate to people versus a society. Psychology is a very interesting major which leads to a very interesting work environment for your career! I hope I was able to shine a light on the various forms of psychology classes that you can explore with a major in Psychology!

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I overcame a life full of challenges, among those was being bullied. I look back on my past and cringe at the tormenting that was cause by my peers, but then I realize that it was these incidents that made me into the strong person I am today. I want to share with you my experience and insight, and encourage you to be strong during tough times. There are individuals who will impact your life – for the worse or for the better. During a time when it seemed like everyone was against me, there was one teacher who stood by my side and gave me strength.

I had to give myself a personal pep talk, just to get through the day. But one day, my pep-talk did not work. I felt discouraged and ready to give up. But I went to school like any other day. I attempted to avoid the bullies on my way to class, and took my seat in the front of the classroom. As soon as I took my seat, I felt something squishy on my bottom. It was a moldy peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I got up and ran out of the classroom to find the nearest restroom. to clean the sandwich off my pants. I looked in the mirror with tears running down my face. I heard someone coming in the restroom, I fled to the nearest stall to wipe my tears.

I then heard a voice. “Jeffery, are you in here?” I did not respond, but it spoke once more, “Jeff, you can’t stay in here forever. You are brilliant, and the world needs more people like you. The bullies that are bullying you will never leave you alone until you stand up for yourself.”

I took his advice and came out of the bathroom. I went back into the class and took a seat. The bullies decided to bother me once more. I stood up and said, “leave me alone, I refuse to take this anymore!” It was scary to stand up for myself, but I got the job done. From that day forward, they never messed with me ever again. I went home that afternoon and completed my homework, which was due the next day.

My teacher’s message to me that day saved my life. I have moved on and have been able to achieve success. I know my life is valuable. Your life is valuable, too. Don’t let anyone ever question it. Stand against bullies. You are a strong person and you don’t have to tolerate harassment. Seek out people who care. Please let my experience inspire you – you can make a change in your life.

I am a veteran and currently a freshman at The University of Texas at Arlington majoring in Accounting and Information Systems. After only 8 months in college I have already involved myself in campus activities. I hold a plethora of positions here on campus. What I am finding through these activities is that it not only adds to the “college experience”, but also to my mental well-being. I have found that these activities strengthen me as an individual. That is why I want to share this with you, in hopes it drives you to become involved and perhaps better understand your own interests and desires.

One of my first campus jobs was tutoring. I tutored in history, English, and math. I went on to become a Peer Advising volunteer, in which I help new and international students adapt to the culture and navigate college. Thereafter, I worked as a Peer Educator making the campus a safe and more inclusive place by working against substance abuse, relationship violence, hazing and other social evils. Currently, I hold the position of a Residential Assistant (RA) in a residence hall. This job is fantastic because I get to meet new people, make a lot of new friends, and have a unique experience every day.

Each of these jobs gave me a different skill to be used in life. Some helped to improve my communication skills while some helped to improve my networking and management skills.

These jobs helped me overcome my shortcomings. Every morning I got up with a set of new goals to be achieved for the day. The result was me becoming more organized and academically sound.  All of these jobs pushed me to work harder in life for my own sake and others.

Working on campus is a great way to improve oneself. Every day you make a better version of yourself which indeed is the secret of your success in life. And that is what life is all about, continuously working to improve ourselves.

The ultimate challenge in life is not to compete against each other; it’s competing against ourselves, winning against our own bad habits and shortcomings. I go to sleep every night with a determination in mind that I am going to get up the next morning and make it a better day for myself and for those who matter in life.

I am a nontraditional student for I was able to start preparing for college earlier. During my Junior and Senior year in high school, I was also enrolled at Daytona State College in Palm Coast, Florida. I decided to make this push to work hard so I could graduate early. This decision was due to my relationship with academics. When things got tough in life I would turn to academics to distract me. I’ve used this philosophy since my youth when my parents were going through a nasty divorce that never really got better years later. Daytona State College was much more than a stepping stone in my academic career. It set me up for my future academic success.

My favorite professor while I was a student at Daytona State College was Professor McGhee. In her classroom, a discussion was always welcomed. I never felt forced to talk in her class. However, every class I made sure I participated for it was well worth it at the end of the day. I had Professor McGhee for two English writing courses that were mandatory for an Associate’s degree. Professor McGhee’s classes were not full of students my age but she never thought less of me. She challenged me on the same level as everyone else in the class. Professor McGhee pushed me to better my writing so I would be ready for the university level.

I gained stronger study skills at Daytona State College. The tutoring lab was important during my time there. When I did not get a topic or was struggling the tutors helped me catch up. I learned to find places for productive study sessions. I liked studying outside and there were tables with umbrellas in quiet spots around campus.

Today I attend Flager College in Saint Augustine, Florida where I major in Criminology. When I take a step back and look at my community college years I am amazed. I owe many thanks to Daytona State College. If I had not attended that campus and worked hard I would not be on a path to graduate college early. But that is not the only goal I accomplished by attending community college. Daytona State College was a stepping stone to a continuing journey. When I first started at Daytona State College I felt like I had so many options but I had no purpose. I saw many of my friends going across the country already knowing their life’s mission. Daytona State College showed me that it is okay to not know where to start just focus on getting what you need to get done and keep on going. As of now, I can say I have never been more thrilled with the direction I am heading.

I have traveled abroad before, and I was able to see that the world offered more than just my small hometown in Louisiana. So when the opportunity arose to study abroad I DID NOT want to miss it. Through the honors college at my university, I had the chance to study in the U.K. at Oxford University — one of the most well-respected institutions of higher learning in the world. I encourage students to study abroad when the opportunity presents itself.

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. Discovering the cultures and customs of different nations gives a student a fresh perspective of the world.  A person’s experiences abroad can shape and mold them into well-rounded individuals who can connect and interact with people of many different backgrounds.

Academic experience abroad sets you apart. The first step in getting that great internship or landing your first job is to have a standout resume. The benefits of the global mindset a person gains from studying abroad are what bosses and businesses value, especially with today’s globalized economy.

I’ve put together a list of things I’ve learned to do or consider before studying abroad: 

1. Know what you are getting into before you get on the plane – Keep an eye on political events and safety messages from the country you are going to. These happenings may affect foreign policy, currency or exchange rates, and the overall atmosphere of a country. Sign up with your nation’s embassy in the country you are traveling to, and stay up to date on current events.
2. The time leading up to your program’s departure can be quite stressful – Constantly checking to see if the flight you booked four months ago is still confirmed; watching the pound to dollar exchange rate like a hawk to be sure you get the most out of what little money you have to spend; finding the right clothes to pack and the luggage big enough to fit everything you will need for the next month; all take a toll on what little sanity you have left from the previous semester.
3. Don’t try to climb the mountain – On my program, we were allowed one free weekend, but climbing the tallest mountain in the U.K. may not be the best idea for someone who is not used to altitude change or much altitude at all (New Orleans, LA is BELOW sea level). Seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child would be AMAZING, but tickets DID NOT fit into my budget. Dream big because your study abroad should be a once-in-a-lifetime event, but be realistic.
4. People > Places – Make an investment in the people you are studying with. Try to get to know at least one person from your group before your program starts. Having a friend to go to London with you for the day or to help you study for the next quiz is something everyone needs while in a foreign place. Find a buddy, and your experience abroad doesn’t have to end when you touch down back in the States.
5. HAVE FUN!!! – Studying abroad is all about having an amazing encounter with different cultures and peoples. It should be FUN! Go explore the world, and soak up everything you can in the new and exciting places you will go.

I am majoring in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Michigan State University (MSU). This program is amazing because it incorporates many hands-on requirements in the curriculum. In my intro to HDFS class, I was required to do a service learning placement for 40 hours last semester. These service learning placements range from helping food banks, refugees, farmer’s markets, or volunteering at afterschool programs. These placements are nice because they are required, if they weren’t I probably wouldn’t have made volunteering a priority.

My placement was at a low-income housing apartment complex where I worked at the Learning Center. I taught the importance of college to the kids in the apartments and tutored in my spare time. This placement taught me so many things, among those, that I want to help people of all ages.

HDFS curriculum also requires us to take an internship. I am planning to do two internships before graduating. My internship this semester is currently at St. Vincent Catholic Charities adoption home with the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. In this program, I have my own caseload of kids in residential homes that I get to know and find homes for. My internship has taught me the importance and significance of having a home to come back to, it also taught me about the adoption system processes. I wouldn’t have taken it on if my program didn’t encourage and give me the skills to do it. My second internship will be at the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic on campus.

Finally, HDFS courses are extremely interesting and help me learn a lot about each course’s material. Each course builds upon the previous course and I feel like I’m getting more concrete foundation with each course I take. I can honestly say I feel “ready for the real world” into my field because of my experiences.

The HDFS major at MSU is an amazing program that allows students to gain real life skills and knowledge that can be used for real careers. Even if someone isn’t going into a human service field people can still use the skills in other professions.

Overall, HDFS is an amazing major because it is versatile in all career paths and allows for hands on work as well as courses that reinforce concepts.

Life on a university campus in the heart of a city can be challenging for students who commute.

I know this all too well.  Often, I have a difficult time locating affordable parking and I am forced to park within a parking structure and that can get expensive.  I attend The University of Michigan, which is a large school and sometimes it can be difficult to find parking before class. Juniors and seniors can purchase yearly parking passes at one of the many locations across campus, but it can still be a long walk to class. In one of my classes, another student mentioned she was concerned because she inadvertently left her wallet on the seat of her vehicle, which was a few miles away.  I offered to drive her to her car.  I did not know this student well, but I figured I would drop her off on the way home.

As we walked to the parking structure we became better acquainted with one another and began to develop a friendship.   It was nice to meet and talk with someone that had similar interests to me. As we pulled up to her car said she would walk back and see me another day.  I offered to drive her back to class so that she would make it back to class on time. She was shocked at the fact that a person who she didn’t know would volunteer to help her out. 

We have since become friends and communicate often.  We spend time together in between classes and have plans to stay in touch over the summer.   I am happy I could be of assistance to this student. Additionally, because of this random act of kindness, a friendship has developed.   I have spent five months at the University and I have not interacted with anyone, other than my professors, until then.  I really feel good about our interaction and will do it again should the need arise.  Random acts of kindness should happen more often, at school, and within our communities.  A random act is a non-premeditated, action designed to offer kindness towards another.  This one action changed a lot of things about the way I felt and the way in which I see life at my school.

Every day should be a Random Act of Kindness Day.  If more people throughout the world would volunteer their services to help others, our world would be a much more efficient place. Let’s stop being angry and let’s start communicating with one another, the world will be a better place. Who knows, even a friendship could develop from it!