|
When I first came to UMD as a freshman I was pretty alone. No one from my high school came to join me and I had a random roommate, but I was in love with the school and Lake Superior. That first year I met countless interesting and fun people but still felt slightly alone. Joining Tau Kappa Epsilon fall semester of my sophomore year gave me a sense of belonging. Since then I’ve met and connected with many more great people here at UMD though greek life while also making memories I’ll always cherish. Whether it's creating new friendships through socials, getting study help, going on trips, meeting helpful alumni, or raising thousands of dollars for charities around the country, I’m always surrounded by caring people. The leadership opportunities I’ve taken on through Greek Life have made me a better man, encouraging me to work for the people and organizations I’m passionate about. I’ll always cherish my time with Greek Life and encourage people to join if they’re looking for a great college experience.
 Coming into college, I never thought about Greek life. Boy was I wrong. My first few weeks into college didn’t go as I had hoped. I wasn’t making as many friends right away and I was lonely. Walking through Kirby tabling area, I saw all the tables of the sororities and fraternities. I decided to go and talk to them. They all seemed very nice and I decided to go through formal recruitment. I am so thankful to have found my place at college and my own group of people I call my family. Without Greek life I have no idea where I would be now. Not a day goes by that I second guess my decision to go Greek. I feel this is the best opportunity to make the most of your college experience because there are so many options. You are introduced to so many people where you can form bonds and relationships with. You get so many opportunities to helps those and the community around you. And the chance to find who I am as a person. Every experience I have had in Greek Life has helped me to grow as a person and to become a better leader.
 I think a lot of people that are in greek life will say the same thing, “I didn't come here for greek life, but ended up finding a family.” I had no intention of joining because i had no knowledge. My roommate freshman year was the complete opposite. She came to UMD knowing exactly what she wanted to join and was so excited. She ended up dragging me along and i became so excited after we got bids. I’ve been in greek life for almost three years now and it has helped me grow immensely. I came to college very shy and afraid of using my voice. After I joined and was able to take on chairs, it helped me so much.
I have met so many people within our small community that are so passionate. Abdi Ali, from Tau Kappa Epsilon, is a CLA senator for student association where he wants to have accessible resources for everyone. Paige Patterson, from Beta Lambda Psi, who has a minor in ASL and is passionate about teaching anyone who wants to know. Kenzie Carrane, from Phi Sigma Sigma, who has a love for philanthropy and is constantly coming up with new ideas to help the community. There are so many people who ive seen grow throughout my years. As my time comes to an end here at UMD, im constantly reminded of the amazing things we do every year. I'm so glad I joined greek life and will always push for others to join as well.  I started my journey into greek life during the fall of 2017 and it was one of the best decisions I could have made as a freshman. I joined Kappa Xi Delta, a local sorority here in Duluth. I have met some of my closest friends through this organization, and it has opened countless doors for me. Being a part of greek life has exposed me to so many opportunities to become a leader. In the past I have gotten the joy of holding many positions within Kappa, and later in my journey I was given the opportunity to be on UMD’s Greek Life Council. I was the first member of Kappa Xi Delta to make it onto the council, and that brings so much pride to me and my sisters. Greek Life has changed my life for the better, and I feel that everyone should take the opportunity to be part of this amazing community.
 Coming into college, Greek life was not something I had my heart set on, it was more of a passing thought than anything else. However, one of my friends that I knew in Greek Life suggested that I join Alpha Nu Omega, and I figured “why not give it a try?” Little did I know, this decision would change my life in a way that I never expected. With Alpha Nu Omega, since we were so small the semester I joined, I got to know the guys on a more personal level, and they became like a second family to me. After my first semester (Fall 2018) in ANΩ, I started to branch out more by going to the Greek Office, and through that I’ve met so many amazing people that I would like to believe may be lifelong friends. The community that Greek Life represents at UMD is unlike any other I have experienced, and as a community we help each other, UMD, and the surrounding area with our various events. Not only have I become a part of a great community, but I have also had the privilege of getting to experience a leadership role as well. Because of Greek life, coming back to campus after summer break felt like a breath of fresh air, it felt like home.
 I Joined Beta Lambda Psi my freshman year, Fall 2017. It is a local sorority here in Duluth. I originally joined greek life to help branch out and find a solid group of friends at UMD. Since joining greek life here it has helped me grow tremendously as a person. I have held leadership positions not only in my own organization but also on Greek Life councils Executive Board. Greek Life has provided me with amazing opportunities for networking. There are a variety of different majors throughout active greek life and also the alumni. No matter what questions I have I can always find someone eager to help and answer them. Something that I admire most about Greek Life here at UMD is it is an open community that welcomes everyone with all different interests to join. I encourage anyone interested in seeing what the greek life community is like to give it a shot. I can say it is one of the main reasons I am able to feel at home here in Duluth.
|
AuthorsA handful of stories by various members of the Greek Community offering a "Greek Life at a Glance". Previous Posts
July 2021
|
RSS Feed
