Hopkins is known for its rigorous academics and competitive student body; however, rigorous and competitive can also describe the fraternity life here at Hopkins. Each spring semester, freshmen clamor to find their place among the 32 fraternities and sororities on campus. The positives and negatives inherent in Greek life create a dichotomy of views among the student body; thus, according to the Gazette, about 30 percent of undergraduates end up participating in Greek life.
Many students, like Junior Matt Canfield, decided to join a frat because of the perks of a packaged, consistent social life that is included with admittance. Canfield believes that the promise of a "structured social life as opposed to a spotty one in the first semester" was definitely a plus.
Other positive facets of belonging to a frat are the leadership opportunities available within the system. Canfield notes, "Often most of the members of the fraternity comprise a large percent of campus leadership, and so joining a fraternity exposes freshmen to even more leadership roles outside those provided by the fraternity."
Joining a frat is not just about brotherhood, but rather it is also about the opposite: girls. Many guys join fraternities despite various stigmas due to the nexus each frat has with specific sororities or due to the reputation it has in general within the undergraduate community. Whether the value judgments hold is subjective; however, one must be cognizant of the stereotypes cast, whether it be jocks, nerds or the vastness in between.
So how does one know if a fraternity and its packaged reputation are a perfect fit? Many guys didn't and still don't know if their decision was the right one, as none is perfect. Yet, Canfield stresses that "even though the social circle created is small, it is moldable, and so the fraternity can become whatever you make of it."
It can't be denied, however, that fraternities sever greater community building by way of isolating select groups of men, either physically in terms of living or socially in terms of cliques engendered. Canfield acknowledges that it becomes "easy to find yourself extremely comfortable with the social group created by the fraternity, and so it becomes less and less easy to meet other people." Junior Aaron Tabak agrees: "You are always surrounded by the same people and go to the same parties. Even though these people may be your closest friends, it becomes increasingly difficult to branch out."
Weekend partying is split between fraternity parties and house parties, and in either setting fun can be had and relationships can be formed. Therefore, first semester, it is recommended that as incoming freshmen you get to know as many people as possible, so as to see what type of people you would like to call your brothers or friends.
Many guys decide to rush with a friend. Although this will make the friendship stronger in the long run and will help assuage the discomfort of trying something new, joining a frat is an individual decision. Pledging is the joint decision, where remembering your brother's sister's name is just as important as memorizing an equation for your upcoming math test.
In reality, the disadvantages of joining a frat are the obvious costs in the form of dues and the masked costs of pledging, that often show themselves in the form of waning GPAs. Canfield suggests, "If you didn't do well first semester, don't pledge," as your ability to prioritize will be challenged.
You have two options, according to Canfield: "You can join a frat because other friends are doing it, and you will get trapped, or you can join to meet new people and end up with twice the amount of friends, creating two social spheres." Make the decision for yourself to go Greek.
