If you wouldn't frown upon someone's club, major or hobbies, why judge them for being Greek?

There's nothing better than finally bringing up one's involvement in Greek life to the person you've been sitting next to all semester and having him reply "Oh, you're in asorority," as if your entire character is now questionable. My initial thought is, "Well no duh, have you seen my wardrobe?" (PR, PR and more PR). It's a pretty degrading reply to receive, to say the least, but I keep in mind that if anyone still clings to the artificial stereotypes of Greeks, they can go home.

Going into recruitment I knew the stigma attached to Greek life, and I knew that some of it was deserved while a lot of it wasn't. Greeks in movies such as Neighbors are often depicted as arrogant party animals who don't study and are a ditzy sorority girl and perpetually drunk frat guy. Now obviously this partying reputation doesn't come from nowhere--yes, Greeks party…but so does an enormous number of other college students. I find it really ironic that it's an honor to college students to have their school be named a top party school, but the ones throwing most of the parties are frowned upon... it doesn't make much sense. Greeks may have more opportunities presented to them than non-Greeks to party, such as date parties, formals or less formal get-togethers, but they hold the same responsibility as every other student, if not more, to maintain a healthy balance between schoolwork and social life, so if they want to throw a party, why shouldn't they?

I don't know how this negative view of Greek life came about, considering the founders created their fraternities and sororities upon righteous values and formidable expectations of future members to come, but it needs to end. Sure, not every Greek always meets these expectations, but does anyone ever always meet the expectations of others? Of course not! Actually, in reality, being held to these standards pushes Greeks to take greater strides towards success than non-Greeks are pushed to do so. Just at the University of Maryland, the All Fraternity and All Sorority average GPAs are higher than the All Men's and All Women's averages, respectively, a trend seen at college campuses across the nation. Greeks' scholarship, along with their philanthropy and sisterhood/brotherhood, are far more important than partying, despite that it may not seem that way thanks to the media. We're taught that movies and shows exaggerate real life for the entertainment factor, and those surrounding the topic of Greek life are no different. Being kept so busy with my Greek commitments actually enhances social and time management skills -- skills useful in the workforce or job interview.              

I would even go so far as to say joining Greek life is one of the best decisions I have made in preparing for my future. I'm fostering great connections and skills I'll use for the rest of my life, and I know I'll always have my sisters to count on no matter where I may go. Don't even get me started on the countless memories from my collegiate years.             

Greek life is not for everyone, but just like anything else, judging someone by one aspect of their life is irrational. I love telling people I'm in a sorority because I am damn proud to call myself Greek. Wearing letters is an honor, not a scarlet A. So to answer that question, yes, I am in a sorority and I wouldn't have it any other way.