Becoming Greek Series – Step 5
Step 5: Probate and Beyond
Previously, we discussed the idea of pledging and how to make the most out of your experience. So, you’ve finished your pledging process and now the time has come for you to “cross those burning sands.” This is the ending to you becoming a member of the Greek community.
The probate portion of your process of becoming Greek is the quintessential portion that is usually showcased and broadcast to the world. For the past 2-4 weeks during your pledge experience, you have succumbed to being in the dark about many things and not being able to really go out and be “normal”. You embarked on a journey and now the time has come for you to emerge as one of their own in front of the entire Greek community. This is where you show the Greek community what you have learned and what you are made of.
Typically, a probate is set at night on a night where many Greek organizations will come out to show support and welcome you to their world of Geekdom. During your probate, you will have to demonstrate some ritualistic things, such as saying chants, Greek alphabets, your organization’s history and information that is privy to the world. Probate is essentially where you will be given your Greek identity, such as your line name. Your line name is what your organization thought about you during your entire process. It is usually an honor to be given a line name or prestigious title. However, you are just not beginning your true journey into the Greek world.
Just because you finished and crossed over into Greek life through your organization, the journey and learning do not stop there. Now it is time to sharpen your skills and network within the Greek community to create new and promising connections. It may be Greek life, but trust me there are a lot of entrepreneurs and experts on various topics within the Greek life. Heck even some of us are real life Greek members. You have already proven yourself to the masses, but now it is time for you to consistently show effort within the community and dedicate your time and energy, as well as your loyalty, to your organization. This is the true testament of time as you will only grow the longer you are within your organization. Things happen and sometimes leaving your organization may be for the best, however, you do not want to be labeled as an “organization hopper,” meaning you hop from organization to organization.
With that being said, you have finally made it into the society amongst the members of the Greek life. Be steadfast and endure the tides as the waves seem to change over seasons. Now you can yell “Veni Vidi Vici.” Why might you ask? Simply because you came and presented yourself as an interest in the Greek life, you saw what it took to be apart, and you conquered the presidential tasks that were set forth in front of you. You have truly made it. Now go out and celebrate!!!
Disclaimer: the personal views and opinions written in this post are from the writer and do not always express the professional opinion and views of Verve X Magazine.
Writer: Kaileighn
Photographer: Kongan
