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Why Rush?
Topics: csub, Bakotopia, Bakersfield, Greek, Fraternity, Sorority, College life, scholastic
Posted by hoodlum1986 Mon Feb 2, 2009 12:19:09 PST
Viewed 389 times
0 responses 1 comment Location: 9001 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311

Why Rush?
CSUB students attribute scholastic success to campus Greek system

By Juan Torres, Bakotopia.com contributor

You are walking through Dorothy Donahoe Hall as a new student to CSUB looking for your class.

You see students from all walks of life going from class to class as well as professors to their awaiting students. Along your walk down the hall, you notice different boards decorated representing different clubs and student groups.

You are then greeted by someone with a friendly smile, wearing a shirt with letters you have never seen before.  The one question running through your mind is: “Why Rush?”

For the longest time, fraternities and sororities have had a negative reputation portrayed in movies like “Animal House,” and “Van Wilder.” The common thought is that everyone in the Greek system are just a bunch of college students who don’t care about class and are only looking forward to the next big party. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Fraternities and sororities not only like to have fun, but also like to help their members and the community out in many different ways. One of the ways the CSUB Greeks get involved with the community is with groups ane causes such as the Special Olympics, Assistance League of Bakersfield and Relay for Life. Their involvement can include volunteering to help out at their events, setting up chairs and even fundraising.

Fraternity brothers and sorority sisters come from all walks of life and different backgrounds. Each person has his or her own story for choosing to be member of the Greek system, which goes beyond just parties.



“Coming from a different area, I didn’t really know people in the area. Being a part of this sorority (Phi Sigma Sigma) has helped me become use to the area,” said Casey Spinetti, who is a member of CSUB sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. “Back in high school, I was involved in different clubs. As soon as I came to CSUB, I only knew my best friend from high school. Being a sorority member has also helped me get out of my shell and take on various leadership roles.”

Gaspar Herrera, founding member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter at CSUB echoes Spinetti’s sentiments.

“One of the benefits is interacting and making friends with other people on campus,” said Herrera. “I was tired of being bored, staying at the dorms all day,” said Herrera of his social schedule prior to being in a fraternity. “Now, I’ve become more outgoing and a lot more social.”

The involvement with either a fraternity or sorority extends not only within the boundaries of school, but after graduation, added Herrera.

“Another advantage of being Greek is networking,” he explained. “You cannot only network with other people on campus, but also alumni members with experience.”

For more info on CSUB Greek fraternities and sororities, visit:
CSUB Office of Student Activities
9001 Stockdale Highway
Located in the Student Union, Room 138
Phone: 661.654.3091

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 47, 2 - 5- 09

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Comment From: matt

Great article Juan! Keep the pen to the grind, homie!