By Staff Writer: Marcos Baltierrez
When people think about fraternity life, they only think about what they see in the movies. From guys partying and drinking all night to people just thinking they are paying to have friends. Many stereotypes surround fraternities, and that is what I thought right before starting college.
Even on the first day, I still had this mindset of “Frats are pointless,” and “Why would I ever join one?” During my first few months here, I still had this same mindset. But then I was approached by someone who helped me see a different perspective.
Kieran Verduzco would talk to me during Dawg Days, but at the time, I didn’t know that he was a part of a fraternity. We became good friends. He would bring up the fraternity from time to time after Dawg Days. Telling me that the fraternity represented what it meant to be a true gentleman. Being true to oneself but not yielding to anyone else or anything. That idea really stuck with me.
Then, halfway through the year, he asked me, “Do you want to join the fraternity?” I told him that I would let him know the next day. I had thought about it a lot, and after everything, I decided to join. And I am really glad I did. I made a connection with guys that I would have never met if it were not for the fraternity. I went to many places around New Mexico that I have not visited. And participated in so many fundraisers, like for men’s mental health and cancer.
And after it all, I have met some amazing guys that I will have lifelong memories with. So, if you are like me and have doubts about joining Greek life, really think about it. I’m not saying that if you don’t join one, you will have a bad college experience. I just don’t want people to see the stereotypes and write Greek life off. Because, truly, joining a fraternity can be good.