By Chinedum Emelumba—

After a long, tedious week of school and work, students often prowl the campus in search of something fun to do. Students who dorm often look to discover the various extracurricular activities that New Jersey City University has to offer. On the other hand, commuter students have the luxury of engaging in activities off campus with family members and friends. But, the truth is there are organizations and entertaining clubs out here for everyone! With that being said, if you’ve ever wondered why some students proudly parade around campus in their multi-colored uniforms, dancing and stepping away, it is because they are a part of Greek Life. Dating back to the 18th century, Greek Organizations were created by a group of students who shared similar interests and objectives, which were to provide recreational activities on and off campus, and shine as professionals through leadership, scholarship and community service. Fraternities and sororities offer students of all ethnicities and culture’s the chance to meet new people, and form bonds and friendship that will last a lifetime.

“I really wanted to pledge something, but I’ve always heard these stories about sororities, and I grew up around guys, so I really didn’t get along with girls, said Rocio Mendoza, 22, sister of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. Despite her apprehension, Mendoza went ahead took the step to pledge for her sorority. “I wanted to be active with community services and one of my friends who was a “sister” invited me to meet the Greeks,” she added. She noted that she finally really submitted to the idea of joining a sorority, when the sisters of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority presented their organizations goals and objectives during Meet the Greeks. “They spoke of what they were about, which is academic excellence, to unite all women, and give back to the community and school. I was like man this just might be for me!” she beamed.

Often time’s students hesitate to pledge to Greek Organizations because of their personal reasons. This was the case with Peter Ejeh, 24, brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “My cousin first talked to me about joining in 2008, but I wasn’t interested,” he said. But, “By Spring 2010, I was in my second semester of my junior year and I started thinking about graduation and getting a job. So, “I was looking for the proper guidance and direction,” he added.

The apprehension that most students have about Greek Organizations perhaps, forms from their faulty misconceptions. Ejeh expressed that, “the biggest misconception about Greeks is that all we do is party and drink, while we are very professional; also there is a lot of community service that is involved.” When asked, Mendoza stated that “although we do party because we’re only human and also college students, it seems all fun and games to be a part of Greek life, but in reality it’s also like having a job.” But, “don’t get me wrong you have fun (she laughs), it’s not all business every day,” she confirmed.

Greek Organizations are excellent additions to a resume, and more importantly they bring people together in awesome ways. But, there are students who still would rather engage in other organizations on campus, and that’s okay! Ejeh articulated “I don’t believe that being Greek is for everyone, but I believe that being active in college is vital. It makes you utilize yourself to the fullest and learn things you didn’t know about yourself.” In the same light, Mendoza voiced that being a part of Greek Organizations weren’t a vital part of the college experience. However, she “definitely recommends it because you meet so many people and gain so much out of it. In addition, the networking and bond that you make with the administration is amazing!”