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I do NOT drink. please nobody say 'why don't you just drink a little' or 'relax' or something. it has nothing to do with relaxing. i am straight edge and i am staying that way.

I was just wondering if it's possible to participate in a sorority without drinking! My top choice right now is Northwestern, of those i've been accepted to, and according to US News 70% of students belong to a sorority of fraternity. i also recognize the advantages of greek life, with making connections and such.

anyways, is it possible?

By I1lmatics (I1lmatics) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:14 am: Edit

i'm not sure how sororities work but I can pretty much assure you as a guy, it would be impossible for me to find a frat who abides by greek rules and not drink.. i mean it would be part of the initiation alone

... be advised then a lot of frat's and sororties are not necessarily greek... for example often times their is a frat for business kids which is for guys and girls and obviously does not abide by greek statute

By I1lmatics (I1lmatics) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:14 am: Edit

i'm not sure how sororities work but I can pretty much assure you as a guy, it would be impossible for me to find a frat who abides by greek rules and not drink.. i mean it would be part of the initiation alone

... be advised then a lot of frat's and sororties are not necessarily greek... for example often times their is a frat for business kids which is for guys and girls and obviously does not abide by greek statute

By Over30 (Over30) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:18 am: Edit

Of course it is. The Greek life is different on every campus, but I went to a large state school with lots of sororities and fraternities, lots of parties, social events, etc. Most of us drank occasionally, some of us drank way too often, and some of us didn't drink at all. My closest friend in the sorority never took a drink. (She's a state level elected official now. I think she was planning a life in politics even then, and didn't want any drunken indiscretions following her around.) The legal age was 18 then, but the drinking age doesn't seem to matter much on college campuses.

Your sorority sisters will probably be thrilled to have a designated driver (and a sober friend) around.

By Fakeplastictree (Fakeplastictree) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 12:58 am: Edit

My old best friend (a guy) belongs to a frat at Northwestern...and he drinks. A lot.

Purely anecdotal evidence, but your situation sounds difficult. I don't think people would really mind if you didn't drink, but if you have a self-righteous attitude about it, it could be a potential problem.

There's always Brigham Young.

By Lonelyrigby (Lonelyrigby) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:13 am: Edit

Wait I thought that was the point of joining?

By Nmoreno1 (Nmoreno1) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:16 am: Edit

What exactly IS the point of Greek life?

By Papalemming (Papalemming) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:48 am: Edit

What the heck is a Greek life? What the heck are sororities and fraternities for?

Someone explain to this ignorant international student.

By Jacklowey (Jacklowey) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 06:24 am: Edit

That's like asking if it's possible to eat a tootsie pop without eating the delicious chocolate center... You can do it, but you'll be socially ostracized.

By H0neymoon (H0neymoon) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 07:19 am: Edit

I know you said you want to remain straight edged and an alcohol virgin, as such, but have you actually thought about what you get out of that? A lifetime achievement of not drinking... woo hoo, medal for that one! There is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking socially if you know your limits and keep within them. If you go to a wedding do you avoid the one glass of champagne? You didn't want anyone to say this to you, but i'm saying it... relax... stop taking rules and restrictions too seriously. If it's to do with religion then fair enough, have a couple of drinks and then stop, but it will only become an issue and will not benefit you in the end... I find it ignorant and stuck-up to say "I don't drink, I never have, I never will"... WHY NOT?

By Peepilis (Peepilis) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 07:32 am: Edit

I don't drink because alcohol tastes disgusting! I'd rather drink a soda.

By Amethyst213 (Amethyst213) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:03 am: Edit

Most of you are ignoring a major issue - that it is illegal (I believe in every state ) to posess or drink alcohol until you are 21. Now I know that a whole lot of college kids get away with drinking, and alcohol is a big part of Greek life, but be assured that not everybody drinks. I think it is less important in sororities than frats. Many colleges are enforcing very strict zero tolerance policies on underage alcohol use. I had many sorority sisters who didn't drink alcohol, when we went to parties we just poured soda in our glasses and nobody noticed or cared (most of them were too drunk to care what other people were doing). There are many reasons for not wanted to use alcohol, and I admire you for not wanting to give in to peer pressure.
To answer the question of what is the purpose of Greek life - it's a close group of friends, most have some kind of service projects/community involvement, and as mentioned above the connections later in life. I got my first job through the father of a sorority sister. Just a bigger circle of networking after you graduate - there are alum chapters all over the country and it's a great way to meet people and stay involved.

By Dadx (Dadx) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:38 am: Edit

I think its probably possible. May not be easy. ALmost certainly is unusual today. Years ago I had a roommate who collected on a bet of $100, (around 800-1000 in todays dollars), with his first college roommate that he would not drink during his undergraduate years.

He won. It didnt hurt him that he was a big, competent guy, terrific HS football player, and religiously committed to what he believed. I had a lot of respect for him, as did many others. Of course, you will also find plenty of those who have a strong desire to attempt to corrupt you so that they can hold on to their own excuses that everyone does it. Or discredit you somehow if they can't get you to join them.

By Shahab (Shahab) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 02:15 pm: Edit

100 then equals 800 to 1000 now? when were you born? 1920????

By Dadx (Dadx) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 03:48 pm: Edit

No, in fact my father wasnt even born in 1920.

In the late 1960s and just into the 70s the price level was about 1/8 to 1/10th of what it is now, (excluding the deflation in electronic equipment as a result of Moores law).

Check out the prices of cars, milk, gasoline, housing, etc. Even college. Ivy matriculation fee (tuition)was $1,950 in 1968.

By Gkoukla (Gkoukla) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 03:56 pm: Edit

Colleges are getting tougher on drinkers with MIP's, etc. One or more of those on your record and you'll be lucky to get a job when you graduate. Good luck at not getting caught.

By Bck118 (Bck118) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 04:21 pm: Edit

Im sure no one would mind you not drinking, just don't be judgemental about others and don't be self righteous. Don't share your ideas why you don't drink or why you think its bad and you should be fine.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

H0neymoon, you seem to exemplify all the sad attitudes of teenagers out there today. why NOT drink? maybe because I don't WANT to? because it's against my beliefs? because I don't even drink pop because I hate the taste. because I don't see the point. because it's meaningless and stereotypical and a lame rebellion. I don't care if YOU drink, or if anybody else drinks, just don't expect me to

a) join you
b) clean up your fcking vomit

By Cwoodierun (Cwoodierun) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 08:45 pm: Edit

Jenny--a friend of mine went to Penn State main campus this year..I believe it's been ranked among the top 5 party schools recently. He still managed to find a frat that is service-oriented and anti-drinking. There is hope!

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 08:46 pm: Edit

just to clarify about my beliefs

it has nothing to do with 'sticking to rules'. we don't care about rules

straight edge is all about being true to yourself, having conviction, being able to resist, being STRONG. i've probably explained to people a million times, but it's a movement/subculture that started in the 80's and is united by hardcore music. anyway. it recognizes how lame the masses are and rejects the stereotypical ways of life that are 'expected' of youth. it also rejects pointless and pathetic rebellion in the form of drinking, smoking etc. (really, they are not cool nor are they interesting or rebellious)

and just so you don't think we are pussies, our symbol includes X's and brass knuckles. Read this: http://members.tripod.com/~XthinkX/files/2020sxe.html

I am not going to kill anyone of course.

By Iflyjets (Iflyjets) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

If you find an interesting frat, socialize with the guys, check things out during rush, let them know you have no problem with other people drinking, then volunteer to be a permanent "designated driver" for that fraternity. They might be glad to have you.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:07 pm: Edit

k i don't want to go around being their servant either. i don't mind driving once in a while, but i don't particularly plan to spend my college career catering to everyone. yeah, k, no thanks. i guess this is not going to work out for me after all.

By Everet (Everet) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:23 pm: Edit

ahh I see straight edge is somekind of a movement. Like the hippies movement in the late 1960s-1970s.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:37 pm: Edit

i suppose that's supposed to be some sort of insult, but yeah, it is like that. do you have a problem with it.

By Everet (Everet) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:42 pm: Edit

no I was using an analogy to better understand. I could of used a different analogy like the second great awakening, or the flapper movement but the hippies movement came to my mind first.

By Everet (Everet) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 09:52 pm: Edit

Also I want to give you credit that you're willing to break out of the stereotypes. What's more incredible is that you're asian. In my perspective I see two kinds of asians. One, the over-achievers that abide by what their parents say, like no drinking, no smoking, no sex, and etc. The second kind, those who rebel against there parents by drinking, smoking, and not getting good grades etc. What you have seem to done is follow the Norm like not doing drugs but at the same time you are rebeling against societie's stereotpes. I applaud you. I'm asian also, but not really the steotypical kind. I mean I'm not really good in the sciences or math. I more of a politics and humanities type.

By Disparat (Disparat) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:28 pm: Edit

You say you don't care about people who drink, but you obviously do. You call them lame, stereotypical, pointless, pathetic... Really. You can be a good person and drink alcohol. The two are not mutually exclusive. It's not really necessary to attack people who don't share the same beliefs as you. Would you hold these same beliefs if there was not already some sort of popular movement behind it? I don't know. Either way, it's not a bad thing to be accepting and sensitive to how other people choose to live their lives, even if you do think they're drones. Your goals are interesting, but you have a confrontational and arrogant way of expressing them.

By I1lmatics (I1lmatics) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:30 pm: Edit

if you think colleges come down hard on drinking you are insane.. maybe a few mormon schools and the world renowned liberty university, but other then that no way

..practically everyone drinks, and if they dont drink they get high...gross generalization but very accurate

By Stifmeister (Stifmeister) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:47 pm: Edit

Straight Edge sounds a lot like a pepped-up Alchoholics Anonymous. If you like drinking there is no problem with drinking a little once in a while, rather than waste time and mental energy trying to resist it. I don't like drinking because alchohol tastes awful and I'd rather have a coke instead. Not drinking is a personal choice, and I think it's pretty awkward to be so loud about *not* drinking, it only makes you look like a wierdo. I hang out with my drinking friends all the time, and have absolutely no problems doing bottom-ups of milkshakes while my friends gulp down their scotch.

By Stargzrlilychk1 (Stargzrlilychk1) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

It's weird, Jenny, cause I used to be just like you. During highschool, I was fervently against drinking and smoking and wouldn't hang out w/ ppl who did. But now that I'm in college, It really doesn't matter all that much. People are more chill about stuff. There's not any of that kiddy highschool "peer pressure". You do what you want to. But I'll tell you this, just don't be surprised when everyone else is drinking, and try not to act so self-rightous about it cause that will pi$$ people off.

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 11:34 pm: Edit

Everet your post makes no sense whatsoever.

By Jbe (Jbe) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 01:59 am: Edit

I'm 22. I havent had a drink since high school...god....like four years ago. Anyway, My Pop went to Cal Berkeley ('73) and was a frat guy. He partied hard, his nickname was "Bear" for christ sake. Long story short, he's told me since I was 6 he wishes he never joined the "stupid frat" in retrospect. He screwed up his grades and couldnt go to law school right away, he was far too distracted with partying. When he left Cal he didnt feel the need, or have the time to party anymore...and ended up getting his MBA, then went on to U. of San Fran law school.

Point is, drinking and "being a kid" or whatever may seem fun now, and may in fact be cool. But it is something that will NEVER pay off. At 22 I really dont care about "cool" anymore....stacking beers, "yellin at chicks",...maybe when I was 17 or 18, but I'm a little older and wiser now

I've made lots of friends through work and JC. Some drink, many dont. I find myself having more fun and enduring stronger friendships with the non drinkers.

Anyway, I'm "straight edge" I guess, no Pot either. I tend not to label myself.

I intend to excel at UC Davis (still waiting for Berkeley! accapted @ UC Santa Cruz) when I transfer there in the Fall, while people are getting f***** up, I will be making the most of my time, and not wasting my hard earned money getting messed up.


Advise from this 'old man': Respect your time at your University, its a privilige, and its expensive! Make it pay off.

By Bwawn (Bwawn) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 02:26 am: Edit

To answer the question raised in the original post: if 70% of the campus is Greek (or sorority/frat, to be more specific) then you should have no trouble finding one chapter that is not interested in drinking, or hypes it less than other groups. It's not like everyone will be a member of only two or three sororities -- if that much of the campus is involved, then you will have plenty of groups to pledge to.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 02:52 pm: Edit

I1lmatics your post makes no sense LOL

I don't think you guys are reading my posts. ALL of my high school friends drink, in fact some have drinking problems which is way retarded, and they know it, but whatever. I am obviously still their friends.

Stifmeister. You do what you want. I applaud you. But I choose to voice it. It's like being political. Some people lean certain ways but don't really voice it, others are active. It doesn't matter. I choose to be what I am; if you guys don't accept that, it is your loss.

Disparat: i called DRINKING lame, pathetic, blah blah, not the people. there is a difference.

By Reklaw (Reklaw) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 05:35 pm: Edit

Jenny, you are working very hard to create an identity for yourself . . . no need to even call drinking lame, because it is not at its core. I do not drink, but i can recognize its legitimate curtural and social significance. While drinking can be a negative thing, it is not inherantly "lame, pathetic, blah blah"

By H0neymoon (H0neymoon) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:05 pm: Edit

Jennyzsong quote:: "i called DRINKING lame, pathetic, blah blah, not the people. there is a difference"

There isn't a difference. In calling drinking lame and pathetic, you are calling something that I do lame and pathetic.

Another quote from Jennyzsong::: "it's meaningless and stereotypical and a lame rebellion"

Erm... No! That's like saying driving a car is stereotypical....shopping is stereotypical.... going to college is stereotypical! I drink because I'm 20, it's a social activity, it loosens me up, I always have a great time regardless of whether i have one drink or ten, and I enjoy it! You really shouldn't comment on something you know nothing about. Meaningless? So is drinking milk! I don't look for meanings while I eat chocolate or sip coke.

If someone gets so drunk that they start a fight and someone gets physically hurt, then yeh, that's upsetting and unfortunate, and the result of way too much alcohol intake. But if someone has a few drinks, hangs out with their friends and creates lifelong memories... there is nothing wrong with that. I've had some of the craziest, funnest, and most memorable nights ever with my best friends after a few drinks and I wouldn't swap those memories for anything in the world!!!!

By Shopmom (Shopmom) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

I'm not sure you should consider a sorority at all. Most would consider Greek Life a - how did you put it - a "stereotypical way of life that is'expected' of youth". And you've well pointed out that you wish to refrain from that.
You may want to stick to ice-cream socials in college, otherwise you will likely fail to live up to your own strict standards.
However, if you're open and not judgemental, you may experience things in college that you wouldn't believe now. Things that will change you, widen your world view and lead you to personal growth.
I hope you won't put such written-in-stone restrictions on yourself at this young age - for if you do, you will miss much.

By Crnchycereal (Crnchycereal) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:58 pm: Edit

Haha...I wouldn't have such a problem with the straight-edge movement if they had some better damn music...

By Abz1986 (Abz1986) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 07:39 pm: Edit

^^ amend Or if they didn't preach alchohol free lives :-p

lol

By Fakeplastictree (Fakeplastictree) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 08:33 pm: Edit

Shopmom, I like your attitude. You made a really great point. Jennyzsong, why do you even want to join a sorority if you're so against "conforming"? Oh wait...nevermind...for a second there I thought that being straight edge wasn't conforming. At least people who drink don't have to get political and united and call themselves "drunkedge".

By Crnchycereal (Crnchycereal) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

Agreed, Abz. I myself drink and don't see a problem with it as long as it's done in moderation. However, I think that it's ridiculous for anyone to promote alcohol-free lives when they have no basis off of which to form such opinions. The lyrics of some song or 3rd-party observations are not sufficient to form a complete view of alcohol. Hey, even if they decide to abstain afterwards, I think people should experiment at least once to see what's what.

By I1lmatics (I1lmatics) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 09:18 pm: Edit

I don't even know why you want to pledge for a sorority.. or if you would even be successful doing so.. you seem way too self rigeous, cynical and an in all honesty an extreme bore.

By Aim78 (Aim78) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 09:56 pm: Edit

You don't have to drink anything if you don't want to...it's like vegetarianism. Live by it, don't flaunt it or push it on others.

By Lifegetsbetter (Lifegetsbetter) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 03:38 am: Edit

i agree fully. I've chosen not to drink ever in my life as well, but I know not to push people on it. Just sit back and when people offer you a drink, "No thanks, I'm alright."

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 02:46 pm: Edit

To answer the OP's question, I know of frats where you can be a "dry pledge;" you do not drink but do other pledging activities in leiu of that.

By H0neymoon (H0neymoon) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 03:10 pm: Edit

I dunno... I reckon it'll be pretty akward worming around it the whole four years of college.

By H0neymoon (H0neymoon) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 04:24 pm: Edit

oh my goodness what terrible typing... how do you spell awkward? sorry 'bout that!

A few years back, when all my friends were going out clubbing, drinking, having the occassional sexual relationship, (legal drinking age is 18, sex is 16), whatever, I was SO against all of it. I thought they were immature and irresponsible. I was all up there on my high horse thinking I was better than everyone, thinking I knew something they didn't.

I was wrong. I was the one who missed out. I though I was being smart and placed pride on my abstinence... but I was being pathetic. It took me exploration and experience to realise this. Now I know I missed out on a lot of fun. So you know what I'm doing? I'm making up for it now. There really is no point living if you aren't going to LIVE, make the most of every moment, grab every opportunity. Yeh it sounds like •••••••• but it's true.

I know that if you open yourself up to new experiences you will be a much more well-rounded person at the end of university; you will have learnt what you like, what you don't like, how you feel about certain things. Don't close doors before looking inside the room... you may just find you like what you discover inside.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 05:46 pm: Edit

wow, excuse me

first of all, i HAVE experimented before. i am not missing anything. i used to be like all my friends. that's how i know it was lame. *I* thought it was lame. *YOU* don't have to think it is lame, but *I* do. I don't think it's irresponsible, although I do think it's pretty immature. I have nothing against you drinking wine tastefully at dinner or something, for example, just not drinking for the sake of drinking.

and yeah there is a difference between not liking something you do and not liking YOU. i'm sorry but obviously i have things that i don't like, that does not mean i won't like someone just because they do those things. it's odd you can't tell the difference.

and I|matics or whatever your name is, I'm not cynical (read: antisocial). I go out loads, just not necessarily to parties. I actually spend a lot of time in clubs and such, but not to go clubbing--just to hang out with friends and listen to live music. Maybe you think I'm a bore, but that's you. It's wonderfully that you can come up with that analysis from a couple of posts. Oh wait! Nevermind! You fully studied my character!

By Savedbythebell7 (Savedbythebell7) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 08:52 pm: Edit

Hey guys - -

Lots of animosity is coming from this thread....bad bad vibes. Be happy.

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 09:16 pm: Edit

yeah let's just stop. i'm tired of defending my beliefs, i shouldn't need to do it over and over again. this is not what the thread was about and i'm sorry it veered that way. people are allowed to do their own thing. please just let me do mine. i've never told anyone to stop drinking who didn't want to stop by themselves.

By Mahras (Mahras) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 09:44 pm: Edit

Jenny,

try to check the school you are goin to and check out the rushes (congrats on Northwestern!!!!).

Another option of forming a social group is to join a club like a healthy living club or why join a sorority? you can have a hellva good time joining a good jounalist club, or going out to party at clubs and not driking. Let me tell you IT IS SOOOO FUNNY to see ppl around you drunk and act silly while you have full control over yourself. A trear in that in my opinion lol ;)

Okay okay i am ranting but I dont feel like doin homework!

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 10:24 pm: Edit

For Northwestern i can tell you that there is very little frat-sorority involvement to start off with. And so finding a non-alcoholoic sorority, if one exists is not easy. I know a frat-member at NU( which is very close to my home) and i will ask him about it the next time i meet him

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 10:59 pm: Edit

:/ thanks guys. i don't think it's funny to see people drunk however. my friends are very annoying drunk. it gets old after the first five minutes.

By Florida08 (Florida08) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 12:56 am: Edit

I think you're very annoying

hth