Sororities are only getting more and more popular on college campuses, but with this spurt of regard comes many, many stereotypes: that girls are catty, bitchy, vain, popularity-obsessed, alcoholics, party girls—the list goes on.

But not a single one of these relates to my time in Phi Mu. It has been the exact opposite for me, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the incredible women my sorority has brought me. Here are the five things that being in a sorority has taught me.

1. A strong sense of sisterhood

Coming into college alone in a different state five long hours away from home was nothing short of scary. I was terrified, and I signed up for formal recruitment to find my home away from home, and that is exactly what I found and more. I found women that I have no doubt will be in my bridal party. I found my big, who singlehandedly helped me through my horrific freshman year. I found my little who's like a carbon copy of me, and spending time with all of these women is my favorite part of college.

2. My love and drive for philanthropy

Philanthropy is a huge part of a sorority, and it's one thing I love to participate in. Last year, during our Greek Week, we raised over $80,000 as a community and it blew my mind. I also made so many friends working with other sororities and fraternities. I built such meaningful relationships, and it is such an incredible feeling to raise money for causes I am passionate about.

3. Conflict resolution

Obviously, in a group of ninety plus women, you aren't going to get along with every single sister. That's not realistic, or plausible. I used to be terrified when it came to conflict, but through my sorority I have strengthened my communication skills and become much more comfortable with sitting down and talking about anything I'm going through.

4. Academic Excellence

GPAs and performing well in school is a big part of sororities, especially mine--after all, we are in college for our education first and foremost. Transitioning into college was very difficult for me, and I struggled a lot my first semester of my freshman year. But since then, after meeting with my sorority's academic committee to plan better ways to study, focus, and perform well in school and after receiving support and motivation from my sisters, I've brought my GPA up a full point and a half. And not only was that a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, but it was made that much better seeing how proud my sisters were of me.

5. An unfaltering support system

I know there is absolutely nothing I can't go to my sisters with. I trust and value their constant support of me, whether I'm stressed, sad, upset, struggling, angry, or even just hormonal and in need of a friend to rant to. My sisters have always been there for me, and I can always count on them to push me, build me up, motivate me, cheer me on, and simply be there for me.

My sisters are the greatest thing I've found in my time at college, and I know I will cherish them forever. Joining a sorority has not only made me a different person, but a better one.