Years ago, I dreamt of going to college. I dreamt of all the opportunities I’d have, of all the people I’d meet and I knew that one day in this four-year period, I wanted to make a difference in the world. I researched the vast array of opportunities my future school had to offer and soon enough I made a decision that one day I’d join a sorority. I knew quite a few people who joined and fell completely in love. Those same people looked like they were having the time of their life and I couldn’t wait until college to experience those exact same things.

Fast forward a few years and I did just that, but I soon realized that I had been completely oblivious to the stigma that came with being in a sorority. I started to notice how often I heard sorority jokes and how often I was stereotyped. At first it didn’t seem to matter, but soon enough the constant jokes and judgment started to get to me. I started wondering, why can’t these people see what I see?

Do they realize how much money sororities donate to the community? How many hours we volunteer in service? Why do people look down on the organization I’m in when it brings so much joy to not only my life but thousands? I think about these questions constantly and wonder if my own judgment has been compromised, when I know it hasn’t. I pray that one day these people who criticize sorority women will learn compassion and I pray that they will gain tolerance of my organization even when they might not fully understand the depths of it. But mostly, I pray that these five stereotypes will one day vanish:

1. “Your sorority is all you care about.”

I am proud to say that I am involved in more organizations on campus than just Greek life. But even if I wasn’t, taking on leadership roles within my sorority is just as important.

2. “You look like the typical sorority girl.”

What exactly does that look like? Is it the large t-shirt and Chacos? Because last time I checked, every girl seems to wear that these days. Sororities are filled with women of all shapes and sizes with hair colors ranging from the darkest color to the lightest. Don’t you think it seems a little tired to say there’s a ‘type’?

3. “At least I don’t have to pay for my friends.”

If you can find me an organization on campus that doesn’t ask its members for dues in some way shape or form, let me know. Just like any organization, sororities require dues because it attributes to things that the chapter can do as a whole including sisterhood events and meals at the house.

4. “You are entitled.”

I work hard for what I have, as do many other sorority women. I pay for my dues, I hold a job and I never take handouts.

5. “How are you a Christian and in a sorority?”

Contrary to popular belief, it is very easy being a Christian as well as being a sorority woman. Not only does my sorority appoint two chaplains to lead our chapter in faith, it also provides me with weekly bible study. My sisters accept me for who I am, not matter what religion I support.