The Greek Gods and Goddesses vs. the Selfless Independent

After having just completed Rush Week, some of you froshies are finding yourselves enamored, entrapped by the cunning and (most often) good-looking men and women that comprise the Greek social order here at Kenyon College. This is not uncommon. I remember when I was rushing. The food, the laughs, the broomball, the intellectual conversations regarding Sarah Palin's new publications - dare I go on? The bottom line is that Greek life dominates the social scene and if you're not plugged in, you're lost forever in the frightening world of Gambier. "Oh my God! Get me out of here!" Can you taste the sarcasm? I hope so, because there is a wonderful and magical life that one can obtain on this tiny piece of Midwest countryside. It is the life of an independent. It is my life and my life is great.

I don't know if you know, but there is a reason why the thirteen colonies rebelled from Parliamentary rule and fought for their independence. There is a reason why Jake, the paraplegic war veteran, must seek independence as a "new-born" Na'vi. There is a reason why Will Smith and his band of warriors must kill every single alien so that they can poetically and symbolically "recreate" America's independence. Yes, yes, the reason. I'm getting there. The reason, my dear friends... I will pose in a question. There is an old adage that states, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link." Well, Mr. Inventor of That, how can the chain be weak when the chain is but one strong-willed link? Why don't you mull that one over?

Independence at Kenyon is a beautiful thing. If you possess the social capabilities to go to various parties in various places hosted by various organizations, most of the time you will be well received. Perhaps you'll even be handed a soda. I consider myself and others who adhere to the way of the independent to be social chameleons. This does not in any way refer to a change in my demeanor, attitude or genuine interest in whomever I may be speaking to (most of the time). Instead, it refers to the ability to blend in with any crowd. To walk amongst the Na'vi like Jake and gain their trust and respect. Being an independent is about having the freedom and liberty to do whatever you wish without hurting anyone's feelings (e.g. frat brothers, sorority sisters, etc.). This is false, however, because to be truly independent would mean to have no friends, but I don't want to get into a philosophical inquiry on a matter that was intended to stir humor rather than an intellectual struggle with my writing.

Anyway... I believe I should talk now about what experience I have had with (at least) wanting to become Greek. Looking back on my Greek involvement, it is hard to pinpoint any exact regrets or bad feelings. My time spent with those gentlemen helped make me the man I am today. They taught me many traits that I hold dear as the chameleon you see today. If there is one thing that I cherish the most from my experience as a pledge, it is that I learned to say the Greek alphabet before you can say "Cat in the Hat" (and I still can). To you freshmen, don't be scared of the Greeks. They're soft teddy bears. Do be afraid, however, of the ever-changing independent chameleon...