Paper or Pledge?
This is by far the most asked question I get from aspiring students and alumni. Which route which I take? Will people respect me if I go paper? What about all the horor stories of people getting injured and some who have potentially died from hazing? The bottom line is this. There is no right or wrong answer to how you become a part of the NPHC and the Black Greek System. Some have taken harder routes than others. What is most important is what you will bring to the table. Some think the term "paper" or "skater" is the lowest term someone can be called. In my opinion, the lowest term someone can be called is a "T-Shirt wearer". It simply implies exactly what it says, you wear a t-shirt....and that's it. I wanted to make a valid point that its not about where you've been, or where you came from, but where you're going.
The key is being content with yourself and your decision. At the end of the day, you shouldn't have to prove anything, your resume will speak for itself. Of course, it will take time for you to build yourself up once you do cross over to the other side, but that is the main ingredient to building your confidence. I believe everyone should "earn" their way into their respective organization, but you don't necesarily have to be hazed in order to earn your stripes. Unfortunately, everyone does not think in that sense, and people are constantly critisized and riticuled if they are presieved or labeled as "paper". The only counter to that type of attack is to know your individual worth and what you bring to your organization. Again, if your resume speaks volumes (what you've done within your respective organization) then you have no reason to feel be-littled.
Please understand there is no such thing as the "easy road" to Greek Life....and regardless of which road you choose to take, will come with obsticles you will have to overcome. This is what makes NPHC organizations the hardest to get into and the most challenging to be a part of. If the path was that easy, everyone would be a "Black Greek". The bottom line is....you will be challenged to "prove yourself" whether you decide to go paper or pledge. There is no elevator to success....you have to take the stairs. And just remember...
Respect is never a given, it can only be earned.
The key is being content with yourself and your decision. At the end of the day, you shouldn't have to prove anything, your resume will speak for itself. Of course, it will take time for you to build yourself up once you do cross over to the other side, but that is the main ingredient to building your confidence. I believe everyone should "earn" their way into their respective organization, but you don't necesarily have to be hazed in order to earn your stripes. Unfortunately, everyone does not think in that sense, and people are constantly critisized and riticuled if they are presieved or labeled as "paper". The only counter to that type of attack is to know your individual worth and what you bring to your organization. Again, if your resume speaks volumes (what you've done within your respective organization) then you have no reason to feel be-littled.
Please understand there is no such thing as the "easy road" to Greek Life....and regardless of which road you choose to take, will come with obsticles you will have to overcome. This is what makes NPHC organizations the hardest to get into and the most challenging to be a part of. If the path was that easy, everyone would be a "Black Greek". The bottom line is....you will be challenged to "prove yourself" whether you decide to go paper or pledge. There is no elevator to success....you have to take the stairs. And just remember...
Respect is never a given, it can only be earned.
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