COLUMN: Penn may not tell you this, but Greeks are great

From Todd Wise's, "Where Lovely Mermaids Flow," Fall '99 From Todd Wise's, "Where Lovely Mermaids Flow," Fall '99I hope freshmen have enjoyed their first month at Penn. I'm confident they've met new and interesting people. Tried new activities. And dared to find themselves in the fog of West Philadelphia. Man, it's been just what college was supposed to be like. Just what the manual told you. Right? And you never saw it coming because the admissions office won't tell you about it, tour guides are warned to shy away from it and there's not one reference to the Greek system in the University of Pennsylvania's propaganda pamphlets. And the funny part is that the Greek system that Admissions doesn't want to advertise is a wonderful social and residential option. Many freshman weekends probably do include watching "a regatta from the banks of the Schuylkill River" or ordering "the lobster pie at City Tavern." But mine didn't. Mine were spent going to massive fraternity parties and hanging out with the kids on my hall. And you know what? I was perfectly happy. At first, I was reluctant to join a fraternity because I thought I'd be sacrificing my individuality. I was entirely wrong. You see, if you pick the right fraternity, then the house and its members will complement your personality, not suppress it. And with 35 fraternities and 12 sororities on campus -- including the eight Bicultural InterGreek Council chapters -- there should be one for you. Not having to deal with the University housing system sophomore year is also wonderful. You've got to bear in mind that Penn's housing system doesn't get any better. And know full well that your euphoria is ephemeral -- being a freshman in the Quad doesn't last forever. Sure, you can live on the 18th floor of a high rise in communal living, but there's nothing like living in a house with 30 of your closest friends. My friends and I studied together, talked baseball together and developed a lasting fondness for our house. It wasn't about binge drinking or beer games, either. It was about brotherhood. And that's why I laugh at the common myth that fraternities are where sobriety goes to die. Not only do fraternities teach responsible drinking, fraternity life teaches responsibility way beyond holding your liquor. When you think about it, fraternity brothers are responsible for their house, a large budget and everything that goes on inside. Fraternities rely on very few "adult" influences. Among other things, my fraternity taught me to watch out for others, to know when to control myself and to value loyalty. That's why I find it ridiculous that Penn wouldn't endorse the Greek system as a way to develop the character of its student body. Since Penn doesn't help, however, the fraternal organizations are there -- helping you find the Greek organization that's right for you. Both the InterFraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council assign student mentors to guide freshmen through the rush process. Without them, you wouldn't know about fraternity and sorority dues, the importance of fraternity housing or the process of pledging. Look, despite the half-truths the University fed you, you're here now. So make the most of it. For many of you, fraternity life was something you had been looking forward to. And for others, it might be a pleasant surprise. So while Admissions continues to advertise about the wonders of the "fresh pasta at the Italian market in South Philly," get a hold of your social life. Open showcasing begins this week. At worst, you'll walk away stuffed with cheesesteaks and chicken wings.