Boost
Working in Greek Life has a lot of ups and downs and sometimes I need a boost. Sometimes I get jaded with the direction of Greek Life, its often misguided representations of what the groups are really supposed to be about bring me down. The deep focus on the "social" side of Greek Life, but failing to realize that we are societal organizations designed to better society, our membership and the community. Issues like hazing, alcohol abuse, drug problems, gender stereotype reinforcement, etc. All issues that often times Greeks do not spend time fighting, and the things that as a Greek Advisor you push the groups to do.

But then... you have a week when things go really well, and I am glad they happen right when I need them to. Last night the Albion College Sigma Nu Chapter (Gamma Gamma) held their annual Charity Classic. It is a basketball game with another fraternity. They sell ads in their booklet, and sell T-shirts and tickets to the game. This year they were raising money for the local public school nurses program. To help ensure the school continues to have a nurse, and that the school can buy the needed supplies. I was very impressed to see that at half time the men presented the school nurse with a check for $10,800. Wow. I almost did not have words for that, what an amazing gesture, what an amazing act. Those group of men helped continue the nurse program for over 2000 kids in that school system...

Then on my SLB list serve there was a debate on hazing and membership education. I was surprised to see the out pouring of Brothers with their strong anti-hazing stance. In the past few Brothers made the stance and supported driving hazing out of SLB. In one of the debates a Texas Brother quoted me.... I end any debate with a Brother saying, "We may not agree on this, but lets agree that we both love SLB." He quoted me and that felt awesome. I am glad that statement is settling in with some Brothers. It is true, just cause we have different views on where the fraternity is going does not mean we don't love it any more or any less. I have debated a lot of issues between myself and some Brothers. Unfortunately some people can not see past a disagreement and it creates unneeded future tension.

So it was a good week that ended with a Beta Party at MSU. I have not been out with the guys in a long time. Most of Epsilon was there... Rey, Vic, Ish, Steve, Raul, Sammy, Rudy, and even Geo! Of course GVSU was deep in there plus interests, and I chatted it up with a bunch of Brothers I have not seen in a long time. I left early to get home since today I am off to Chicago!

It is April 23rd and it is snowing. I guess it is what we deserve for those 85 degree days we spent out on the quad earlier this week. Eitherway I hope it goes away soon, we have our Less Then Jake concert at school on Monday and we want it to be nice. Off to see Novi, have a good weekend everyone!
- posted by Sam @ 8:28:00 AM