“Really? You don't seem like a sorority girl."

That is the overused phrase that is accompanied by the condescending look when you mention to someone outside of the Greek system that you are Greek-affiliated. For some reason, there is still a stigma and stereotype about being a sorority woman. Even though it is 2014, and women have overcome some of the greatest obstacles in history, such as gaining the right to vote, running for the presidency and serving in the Senate and House of Representatives, this stereotype still exists. And there are also the accomplishments sorority women have made over the years, such as becoming CEOs, graduating with MBAs and PhDs, and becoming singers, actresses, producers, news anchors, and designers.

I am not some delicate, damsel-in-distress, vapid sorority girl who is unable to hold an intelligent conversation, as the stigma teaches people to believe. Please enlighten me on what exactly a sorority girl is. Is it being a drunken, fraternity-obsessed, blonde bimbo? Why is it that people cannot accept the fact that, just maybe, I might be in a sorority for the philanthropy opportunities or the bond of sisterhood?

The letters I wear shouldn't mean that I could not possibly be a well-mannered, intellectual, and independent woman. In fact, my letters empower me to be all of those things and much more. They remind me of the long-standing tradition we celebrate, the same traditions that were founded by some of the most driven leaders of all time. People outside of the Greek system need to understand the achievement we work towards as sorority women. We work for academic excellence, philanthropy achievement and, above all, to be the best versions of ourselves.

So, yes, I am a sorority girl and I am damn proud of it. I am proud of every sister in my chapter and the achievements they have made. I am proud of the money we raise every year for our beloved philanthropy. The outdated stereotype needs to end because if you are ignorant enough to think all sorority women do is wear pastels, drink Starbucks and get drunk, you are stuck in a poorly-made comedy movie.

We are individuals. We each have our passions and goals, and we hold each other to the highest standards to achieve those goals. We have a support system of roughly 100 women to stand by our side, time and time again.

The next time you give a woman in a sorority the condescending look when they say they are Greek-affiliated, stop for a second and think about how you would hate to have the very same type of judgment passed on you.