I have often struggled with formulating the words to describe how membership in Greek Life at the University of Evansville has changed my life. You often hear phrases such as: “Lifelong sisterhood/brotherhood,” “Becoming a part of something bigger than yourself,” and “Being held to a higher standard,” but is that all fluff and cleverly articulated recruitment jargon?
I recently attended the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute in Bloomington, Indiana. I spent 5 days exploring what Greek life truly means to me, and how I can share this passion with the rest of my Greek community and the world.
Day 1: I began the experience with self-reflection on what challenges I face as a Greek leader and the importance of trust in order to become an effective leader.
Day 2: The second day dove into a much more sensitive and often neglected area: my values and my organization’s values. I was forced to face the harsh reality of how the Greek community is often portrayed, and I was challenged to determine how to effectively articulate the true value of my experience to those who have not had a similar experience to my own.
Day 3: The third day arrived with much needed encouragement and reflection on our commitment to serve as Greek men and women in our own organizations. We participated in community service projects, and workshops aimed to help us make educated decisions, and create a sense of accountability in our organizations and remind us of our commitment to service.
Day 4: The fourth day was all about practicing what we preach and taking action. “Leadership is not what you say, it’s what you do!” I was given the opportunity to bounce ideas back and forth with men and women of different affiliations than my own from all over the country; I met with a Greek life professional one-on-one, as well as do personal reflection on my organization’s future. The night ended with a powerful session in which each individual was able to share their fraternity creed or purpose with the group, unifying us all, and bringing attention to our shared core values. “We all come from the same Greek alphabet!”
Day 5: The fifth day was filled with laughs, hugs, tears, and inspiration. I left some of the greatest people I had ever met that day, but I am confident that the impact they have had on my life will remain. An inspired, confident, and passionate group of 80 Greek men and women walked out of UIFI ready to make a difference in the world!
Greek life and Chi Omega has changed my life for the better. I am a more confident, passionate, and determined woman. I have been provided life experience that makes me a better leader, a better friend, a better student, and a better daughter. My organization and my community hold me accountable for my actions, and I strive every day to truly live my Ritual and reach my full potential. Greek life gives me an identity on a campus where I was in search of a place to belong. Not only did I gain 100 sisters in my own sorority, but I now have Greek brothers and sisters around the country and around the world sharing my same commitment to service and selflessness.
--Ashley Shoultz
Chi Omega Recruitment Chair
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| Ashley and the Iota Rho class of UIFI |
