Since going through formal recruitment as a freshman and accepting a bid to a place that's now my home, I have seen the Greek community for what it truly is, and I love it. But with the image Hollywood paints and the media tearing down our values, Greek life is criticized by those who choose not to join and it's difficult to change people's misconceptions.

Here's a few of the most used comments that I've heard as a sorority woman:

1. "Why won't you come out with us tonight? Don't you greeks drink like all the time?"

Yes, some Greeks choose to drink, but not everyone. School comes first with every house, with consequences in place if you don't make grades. I know that my chapter which had the highest new member GPA on campus, has girls that stay in and study until 3 a.m. for a huge test, rather than going out on "Mugs Night." Most Greek men and women are committed to their education because they understand that the next four years are just the beginning of their adult life and to be successful you have to put the work in.

2. "Yeah well no offense, but some of us have to pay with our own money, not our dads."

The misconception that every member of Greek life has rich parents who pay for their college is one that frustrates me. I have friends who have to pay for everything themselves, friends on scholarship and friends who parents saved every penny they had to send them to college. I personally work a job here at college for spending money, fill out scholarships and discuss financial aid with my parents. Just because we pay a good amount of money to our organization, "buying friends," as you'd say, doesn't mean we pay with daddy's credit cards.

3. "Did you get hazed?"

For the last time, no. Sororities are strictly against hazing and take measures to prevent discomfort among new members. Here at Iowa State, we have a strict no hazing policy, and anything that could be taken as such is not allowed. Any organization found doing this will be kicked off campus, no exceptions.

4. "Greeks are those popular high school kids who can't close the yearbook."

This comment I believe is made in reference to Greek Week and Homecoming activities. Because if you look at the chapters individually, there is a wide variety of personalities in that house. There are those kids who would have been identified as "alphas" in high school, but there are also kids who are more shy and would have identified with other high school stereotypes. College and Greek life is very inclusive and anyone can find their home there.

5. "You actually hang out with fraternities? They're so rapey and disgusting. I would feel so uncomfortable."

This one infuriates me. There are fraternities that throw parties yes, but they are not men who you should be fearing. The men that I've met through these chapters are the kind to walk a girl home if her friends ditch her and the guys who get water and crackers for a girl who needs to slow down. The men are taught to stand up when a girl enters a room and to open the door for them. Hanging out with fraternity men is safe, and they are the type of men that I would want to marry.

6."I wouldn't have pegged you as Greek, most are so self-centered."

This stereotype just needs to kick the bucket. Greeks are heavily involved on campus, from major related clubs, to interest clubs. We have philanthropy events and visit lower income schools to donate our time and make a difference. Dance Marathon is huge on our campus, and most committee members were greek affiliated this past year. Our Greek Community raised over $278,000 for Special Olympics of Iowa this Greek week as well. To say that people only care about themselves when one of the pillars we stand by is "Community" is far from the truth.

I went Greek, and because I made that decision, I've been changed for the better.