Understanding Your Teen

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Summary of What Happened Today

As reported on CNN, nearly 100 people have been arrested at San Diego State University in relation to a drug selling ring consisting of marijuana, cocaine, and various other drugs. Of the arrests, CNN reported that “75 students and 21 non-students” were arrested on a variety of drug related charges. In particular, a specific member of a specific fraternity (I will not name the actual fraternity) was arrested in relation to the drug ring. According to CNN, the fraternity member involved reportedly “sent a mass text message to his faithful customers’…” and even went on in the text message to “discuss a “sale” on cocaine and gave details on reduced prices“.

Why Did I Write This Blog Posting?

On this blog posting, I’m not going to go into the particular details of the new story, as these can be found at numerous websites including CNN.com. On this blog posting, I will be addressing the issue that is sure to arrise in relation to this incident in the coming days: the frats must be to blame, right?…WRONG!

Are The Frats To Blame For This Drug Ring?

Considering the drug bust involved a number of fraternity members (CNN reported that “most of the students were aware of drug dealing by fraternity brothers”), it seems inevitable that some reporter (credible or not) will no doubt blame the Greek life (fraternities and sororities) for the situation.

It’s really sad to me to think that “Frats” will probably have to shoulder this blame,
further tarnishing the image of the Greek life on college campuses.

If you (people accusing Greeks) understood the inner workings of Fraternity life,
then you would surely have a much different view of this situation.

The Truth About Fraternity Life

Fraternity life is not all about partying, sex, drugs, and rock and roll as the public seems to think. Being in a fraternity is about brotherhood, meeting life long friends, networking for future careers, and motivating each other to be the best men that they can be.

Sure, there are sometimes situations that occur in Fraternity life that are tragedies (hazing, drug situations, rapes, and even deaths). However, these situations are not the product of some flawed lifestyle that all fraternities supposedly live.

Tragedies in the Greek system are the fault of a few irresponsible or otherwise negligent individuals. These individuals would likely be involved in irresponsible behavior regardless of whether or not they were involved in a fraternity.

Positive Stories About Fraternity Life

Considering the negative views that many people hold of fraternities, especially the views that will be promoted due to this recent drug bust at SDSU, I find it important to let the world know that the Greek system on college campuses have tremendously positive impacts on the majority of members. Before you start to side with articles that will say that Greek life needs to be removed or minimized on campuses (someone will surely start this movement after this drug bust), be sure that you know both sides of the story of fraternity life.

Sorority Starts a Snowball Effect Of Helping The Community!

This sorority took community service one step further. Instead of simply putting on a community service project themselves or donating to a single community service organization, they’re actually enabling numerous community service student organizations to continue to form at their campus, year after year. Money raised through their endowment program will be given as grants to any student organization attempting a community service project to help their community!

If You Get Rid of Greek Life…
…You Stop ALL of These Future Community Service Projects Also!

Fraternity Members Fight to Stop Rape With a Benefit Concert

Sigma Phi Epsilon members at the University of Idaho put on a concert that they call “Rock Against Rape”, in an effort to raise awareness on their campus about the tragedies of rape crimes and to raise money for the Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse organization. Through this concert, fraternity members of Sig Ep are making their campus a better place.

This is Surely a positive Impact of Greeks!

To Hear More Positive Stories Right Now

Visit the “Greeks Do Great Things” website (click here) to read about Greeks around the entire country that have done numerous great things for their campus and local community. If you’re greek, post a story on that site. The world will see the positive things you’ve done!

What Should You Get Out of This Article

The bottom line is this…I’m not trying to write a news story about the drug bust at SDSU. I’m not trying to say that Greek life on college campuses is good or bad. There are plenty of resources online and in the media that will report on these topics and argue for days and days and days and days…..

I’m simply getting the truth out to the world about thePositive Impact ofFraternities and Sororities

Remember These Points

• An entire fraternity is not to be judged by the ridiculously stupid actions of a single member: this would be like saying all cops in America are horrible simply because one member of the police department was accused of rape. Drawing a conclusion like this is just not well founded and just plain dumb!
• Fraternities are a positive force in the community: read up on the links in this article, as well as other news online and in the media. Fraternities try to make a positive impact on their community through service programs and much more. A tragic event or shameful drug bust should not take that fact away from the Greeks across the country working to make the world a better place.
• If You’re a Greek, SPEAK UP! at the “Greeks Do Great Things” Website (click here). It’s really sad to hear how Fraternities are viewed in this country. If you’re a Greek, speak your mind and tell people the truth about your experience in a fraternity. Tell them about the time you helped raise awareness and raise money for multiple sclerosis…tell them about how you helped low income children get books to read which they couldn’t afford…tell them how you’re helping people with heart disease. JUST SPEAK UP ABOUT THE GREAT THINGS GREEKS DO! You can do this by clicking  Email this to a friend

Please Comment On This Blog (scroll to bottom of page)

I encourage everyone (even if you disagree with me) to post a comment on this blog. I want to hear your thoughts, opinions, arguments, and criticism. The entire world can see this blog and it’s really important for me to spark a discussion on the great things that Greeks do!

Thanks For Caring Enough to Read This

Jon Tucker
Founder, www.UnderstandMyTeen.com

Contact Me Directly by clicking here

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Why Did I Start This Entire Website In the First Place?

A childhood friend of mine died tragically when I was in High School in relation to drugs being way too available and accepted in teen culture. Attending my friends funeral truly changed my life. The UnderstandMyTeen project is in memory of him and is meant to help parents ensure that this kind of tragedy is never experienced in their community. You can read more about this project by visiting the main UnderstandMyTeen website.

I miss you Rob. I still think of you everyday and am looking forward to seeing you again one day. Enjoy the perfect surf up there man…

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