“What’s a geed?”
For those who are not aware, the term GDI (God Damn Independent) or most commonly pronounced as geed is a derogatory term to refer to non-Greek affiliated members on college campuses. The divide between these two groups on most campuses is extremely apparent with geed being the less favorable choice of the two, but here is why you should embrace it:
1. No financial commitment
I know this is a deal breaker for a lot of people, which is why being a geed for free is so appealing! The concept of paying dues essentially for more friends and connections can seem frivolous to some.
2. Being social isn’t an issue
Amongst your worries of obtaining this lifestyle, having a social life should not be one of them. Yes, you won’t have the date functions and formals, but if anything that’s one less thing to stress over. There are countless parties and events thrown on college campuses. Ranging from, sports teams, to Greek-related, to other clubs or organizations, and even to get-togethers with friends. You’ll always be able to make your own fun.
3. Top tier, Low tier, Middle tier mean nothing to me
I love that our social status does not have to depend on how high or low an organization is ranked. People take this stuff super seriously, which is strange to me because at different schools organizations have different reputations ranking them in different places, therefore aren’t you all top tier?
4. No attachment to certain stigmas and stereotypes
We can’t ignore the fact that all organizations have reputations. Some good and others portrayed to be bad, yet all were created by people other than ourselves when first joining an organization. Naturally, people pass judgments on others based off various personal characteristics on a daily basis, therefore declaring your affiliation to an organization adds one more characteristic. With that being said, I love being in control of my own identity. I can only be judged by my own actions and rather than entering an organization that already has a certain connotation.
5. Independence
College essentially is a 4-year identity crisis. It can be hard going to school or being a part of a friend group where majority of the people are in an organization. Sometimes you’ll feel left out or as if you are alone, but to me that is the best part. It forces you to find yourself, branch outside of your comfort zone, and become independent. Since you don’t have access to the resources provided by Greek organizations such as the overwhelming amount of new Instagram followers, predetermined social calendars, and philanthropy events galore, you must rely solely on your strengths and weaknesses in finding your niche, wherever that may be.
Although the population of college students affiliated with organizations can be overwhelming, embrace your “geed-ness”, we’re not so bad after all!