Blonde, skinny, crazy partier, stuck-up, dramatic, cliquey… that’s the definition of a sorority girl right???

Wrong. So tell me then why greek life seems to be increasingly frowned upon? The issue is that as much as people will deny it, some still do believe this ridiculous stereotype. Some still do believe that I “pay for my friends” or go through dreadful hazing to be part of a sisterhood.

But what do I see Greek life as? I see community, I see responsibility, I see passion, I see friendship, I see philanthropy, and I see development in who I am. As cliche as it sounds, I never wanted to be a “sorority girl” because I too believed the stereotype. I never believed in a “sisterhood for life.” I was terrified and unsure in the beginning. But it’s amazing what throwing 42 random girls together on bid day will do. Keeping an open mind about it allowed me to realize how true it is when they say you find exactly where you belong.

Being in a sorority has given me many opportunities do things I’m passionate about, like giving back to others with community service, tutoring, and raising money for our national philanthropy. It’s given me athletics back, amazing friends, and the college experience I waited all first semester for.

I’ve learned what it means to have a home away from home. Going to a big school and dealing with home-sickness is a terrible thing but my sorority has given me over 150 sisters to call whenever I get lonely. Not to mention that those sisters I speak of have opened my eyes; I’ve been exposed to different religions, cultures, and ideas all since joining a short two months ago and I’ve seen heartache yet inspiration getting to know some of the strongest girls I’ve ever met. It was refreshing to learn that conversations rarely concern when the next party is but rather where the next place we’re traveling to will be. It was refreshing to learn that even if someone is entirely different than you, they could still become your best friend.

I’d be silly to say that it’s perfect; no organization is. But the negative connotation greek life holds seems a bit extreme when it’s given people like me so much good. So don’t look down on me because of the letters I wear on my shirt; they represent so much more than you know.