What Greek Life Has Done For Me

BY: Michelle Akseruld

​Coming into MSOE, I was a shy, awkward, and not very confident person. As a freshman, I never had interest in Greek life. When I thought about Greek Life, I always imagined what I saw in movies. The hazing, the partying, and the extents people would go to just to fit in.  Starting at MSOE, it was difficult to make friends because I commuted, and everyone else lived in the dorms. I would always feel left out because people were able to make connections together outside of class. Before I knew it, everyone had their own group, except me. Eventually, I made acquaintances, but not the kind of connections I was hoping to make.

​​Sophomore year, I decided to take a different approach. I figuered that maybe joining a sorority wouldn’t be a bad idea. I was hoping to connect with more pepole as I didn’t feel that I belonged with my peers in my classes. And so, I went to some rush events. Luckily, Kappa Sigma Mu took me in, and thus began my journey to who I am today.

​From there, I began my process into becoming a sister. In that time, I was able to branch out and talk to people that were different from me. I was able to learn a lot. I learned about the sorority, different majors, and various cultures. I was able to raise money for MDA and even helped plan and lead events.

​Shortly after this, I decided to take on responsibilities. At first, I started as a chair and eventually was voted on to the executive board. I am now the vice president of Kappa Sigma Mu and am the president of Greek Council. If you told me this 3 years ago, I would have laughed in your face and said “yeah, right”. However, in my 3 years in Kappa Sigma Mu, I have grown the confidence and skills to lead. I now can handle conflicts, plan events, run meetings, talk to sisters, and collaborate with many different people and orgs. I have learned how to compromise and most importantly, how to be a leader. Greek life has helped me become this leader. Greek Life has helped me learn more, do more, and be more.  I will forever thank Greek Life for who I am today. I am a woman ready to take on the world!