There's so much hesitation (and controversy) surrounding Greek Life right now. In the media, all that surface are stories of senseless acts of stupidity-- hazing, violence, and so many others.

This frustrates me beyond belief, as I have yet to see anything but an outpouring of love from the Greek community at my school.

My parents were more hesitant to be supportive than anyone, because they saw what every other "non-Greek" sees: the negative.

So, to my family, my non-greek friends (all the love for the GDIs!), and everyone in between, here's the breakdown of why I wen't Greek... and why I'm never looking back.

~ 5 Ways Greek Life Made Me Feel #Blessed ~

1. I made THE BEST friends (and didn't pay a cent for them). If there is one saying or stereotype I want to eliminate right here, right now, it's the age-old "Greek Life is just buying your friends." I hate hearing this! I have met some of the most wonderful, smart, kind, giving, and passionate girls thanks to Greek Life... but I have met girls just as amazing that aren't involved at all! The difference between the two is that going Greek allowed me to skip the awkwardness... it literally threw me into friendships like no other. Having hundreds of sisters that will literally be by your side within three seconds of posting in a GroupMe is a (weird) relationship that can't be matched in any other way... and it's been the biggest blessing.

2. I've learned so much about giving. I was familiar with the volunteer life before college. I'd hang out on the side with various groups or organizations, but nothing was ever filled with passion. I was surrounded by people filling their time to get in a few volunteer hours, and never groups of people passionate about a cause and giving their all. Being a part of Greek Life, and seeing each organization wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to their philanthropy has changed the way I see acts of giving. Instead of standing around and telling sob stories to raise a few cents, Greek Life has taught me to get my hands dirty, goof off, have a good time, share laughs with people around me, and fight for ANY cause with LOVE. It's so much easier to be passionate and raise funds with a smile on your face, and Greek Life has shown me that the best way to be giving is with a (happy) giving heart.

3. My closet has grown exponentially... and so has my mindset in regards to sharing. Growing up with a little sister, I was always so possessive of all of my things. She'd steal things the second I turned my back, and leave me looking for a certain shirt until I saw her wearing it the next day! The difference here is that, thanks to going Greek, every sister share everything like it belongs to all of us. Got a mixer that is food themed? A sister has a pizza shirt. A Rock-n-Roll function? Choose your pick from Aerosmith, Metallica, or a Grateful Dead bear shirt. Even when I want to go out and I'm just not feeling anything in my closet- no sister is going to leave you empty handed.

4. It's taught me time management, life skills, and even helped my grades. Having to balance weekly chapter meetings, philanthropy events, functions, mixers, crush parties, and other events along with school, clubs, and other organizations sounds tough... and it is. But being in a sorority has helped me to prioritize these things and organize them to the best of my abilities! It's also helped me socialize, taught me about self-branding, and made me pay attention to the image of myself I portray to the public. While it might seem like a lot to balance with school, it's also helped my grades- mandatory study hours keep me from using "I didn't have time!" as an excuse, older sisters in my major are quick to help and tutor me when I need it, and a minimum GPA requirement keeps me on track.

5. It's become my home away from home. From my sorority to Greek Life as a whole, I have found some of my closest and best friends at school just by being shoved together. I've got older sisters to look out for me and show me the ropes, a pledge class to suffer through all of the new-member activities, and a Greek Community to share philanthropy, functions, and laughter with! When I need security, I know where to find it. When I'm having a bad day, I've got a group of girls to snuggle up and watch movies with. I'm never alone, never bored, and always have people to support me when I need it.

I couldn't resist saying "yes" to Greek Life-- it has changed and molded my entire college experience so far, and it is only going to get better... I truly believe there is a home for everyone, and I'm so #blessed to be a part of it.