To the Editor:
This upcoming Friday will mark the last home men’s hockey game of this semester (excluding games that take place when classes are not in session). It also happens to be greek appreciation night. As a new member of the greek community, I’m excited for the opportunity to take part in the event and wear my letters with pride. One thing that I’m not excited for is the potential embarrassment that could occur when the friends, family, and alumni of the greek community see the divide that has occurred between some students and some of the greeks.
My parents have tickets sitting in section 15, and I am concerned that they will get the wrong impression of what greek life is about when they hear the comments and cheers coming from the others around them. Some students have chosen to portray themselves as the stereotypical Animal House frat boys, instead of members of a constructive brotherhood or sisterhood. When I told them I was joining a sorority, they were worried about what label would be applied to me, and I think this weekend would be a great time for the entire greek community to show what an asset we are to the school and just how much school spirit we have. I also hope that my parents see that I have become part of a group that does not act petty and knock other members of the student body.
We all must remember that when we are wearing letters, people are always watching, and we need to realize that our actions reflect on the community as a whole. Things here on campus have changed since my freshman year in 2003—some for the better and some, I believe, for the worse. I would like to think that my experience here has benefited from the friends that I have within the greek community and also those who have elected to remain independent. When I leave school in May, I want to go with a feeling that I would like to come back as an alumna and see a hockey game and that when I do, all of the fans sitting in the student sections will be cheering for the same thing.
Laurel White
ECSE ’07
