Greek Life

This semester I decided to make a lifelong commitment to Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a fraternity that prides itself on philanthropy and being true gentlemen. I was able to pledge this semester as a first semester freshman because I have 13 credits from dual enrollment classes in high school. You have to have at least 12 credits to rush a fraternity or a sorority on campus. This was a daunting task for the first semester in college. I was just starting to settle in, and I shook up my world. Saint Leo, as well as almost every Greek organization nationwide, has a very, very strict no hazing policy in place. Pledging isn’t Animal House at Saint Leo. It’s committing yourself to a cause that you believe in, and that you want to spend the rest of your life being a part of. Sigma Alpha Epsilon hosted an event at the lakefront called Jammin’ on Jovita, in memory of fallen brother Will Duclo. Brother Will passed away in 2006, and the SAE Brothers host an event in his memory every year. There was a great turnout, and a great time was had by all who attended.

Greek life isn’t all parties and fun. Granted, there’s plenty of that if you’re looking for it, but I’m not much of a party kind of guy. I found out that SAE, and I’m sure others are like this, focus on scholarship and scholastic achievement. Every week, we log our study hours in the Learning Resource Center to make sure that everyone is keeping up with their studies. I’ve matured a lot, along with my Pledge Class brothers, over the duration of the pledge process. The process is to weed out those that aren’t ready for the commitment. If you have an opportunity or interest in Greek Life on campus, go to an interest party in the fall or the spring. It could change your life!