Throughout the first semester of college, you may see some upper classmen wearing funny looking letters on shirts, hats, and on a few cottages around campus. When I was a freshman, I had no idea what Greek life was like at Hope. There were a few people in fraternities and sororities in my dorm, but I wanted to know more. Second semester is the time where people who are interested in Greek life become better informed on all the different fraternities and sororities at Hope College. It's called "Rush" and it is one of the coolest things at Hope. During Rush, all fraternities and sororities will host different events where students can come and get to know every guy or girl in that particular organization. The events the Fraternal Society will be hosting this year include a meet and greet with some appetizers, a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game, hot wings and poker, a literary meeting where alumni from the fraternity come back to Hope and share how being a part of a fraternity has impacted their lives, a bowling night, and a formal where we all go out to eat at a nice restaurant. The best thing about Rush is that it is free! You do not have to pay one cent to go to any Rush event! It is also easy to know when the Rush events are scheduled because each organization makes posters and displays them around campus.
After going to all of these Rush events, I was still unsure if I wanted to join a fraternity. Across the nation Greek life is thought of as "paying for your friends", or that it is just a "drinking club." I can assure you this is not true. Year after year, all fraternities and sororities participate in multiple service projects, bettering the community through various activities, such as building a house, raking leaves, or getting involved with a fundraiser. Also, when you are in a fraternity, you are instantly connected with thousands of alumni who are in constant communication with the organization, and can help you out after graduation. Ultimately, I loved the Rush process, and decided that joining the Fraternal Society was just what I needed to be a part of the greater Hope community. Joining a fraternity was one of the best decisions I have made since arriving at Hope. The bonds created with my fellow brothers will last for the rest of my life. The coolest thing is that our current President of Hope College (President Bultman) is an alumni from my fraternity, and I even have that bond with him! I encourage you to at least give Greek life a chance, and go to a few Rush events during your second semester at Hope. It truly is a life changing experience that compares to nothing else I have done in my life.
