Being Greek is being criticized more and more on college campuses these days. Like all organizations, Greek life differs from school to school, ranging from the good, the bad, and the ugly. Unfortunately, we almost always hear about the ugly.

One of these ugly stories is the OU SAE scandal. Yes it was horrible, but are all Greek organizations like that? Absolutely not. Some of the bad stories come from rumor-spreading websites and apps like Yik Yak or Greek Rank. Some of these vicious claims about Greek life could be true, but they could also be very, very false. That's what happens when users get the power to be anonymous. But what happens when you ignore all of that crap, and dig deeper, looking into what Greek life really is?

Being Greek can be one of the most rewarding, satisfying parts of your college years, but it's all about how you look at it. Let's break down some of the myths about Greek life:

Myth: "You're just paying for your friends."

Fact: While yes, most (if not all) Greek organizations have dues, it's almost impossible to meet people without paying somehow. When you made friends as a child, you were paying for dance lessons, trumpet lessons, soccer teams, etc. Greek life is just another club/team/group you have to pay to be a part of. It's no different from paying to be a part of the intramural basketball team. I think one of my favorite replies to this myth is, "if I paid for my friends, I definitely didn't pay enough." That statement couldn't be any truer for me, and probably a lot of Greeks.

Myth: "All Greeks do is party."

Fact: I think we can all thank Animal House (1978) for this poor misrepresentation of college Greek life. The first thing that pops into a lot of people's minds when they mention their fraternity orsorority is John Belushi chanting "TOGA!" at the top of his lungs. Well this is a myth that is usually overstated. While Greeks do party, so do non-Greeks. Hell, most college students do. Greeks may go out on the weekends, but they also raise more than $7 million for charity each year, have outstanding GPAs and are more involved on college campuses than anyone else.

Myth: "Greek life is irrelevant after college."

Fact: It's funny how incorrect this myth is. If anything, Greek life may be more valuable after college than during! How so? Your career. According to Gallup's recent study of 30,000 graduates, fraternity and sorority members reported that they felt prepared at a 10% higher rate than their non-Greek peers (Source). Learning to lead in your Greek chapter and around campus with the help of your brothers and sisters prepares you for the real world more than you know. Another great thing about being Greek after college? Connections. You'll instantly have something in common with your interviewer, or even your boss, possibly giving you a leg up in the competition. 50% of the Top 10 Fortune 500 CEOs are fraternity men; 15% of Fortune 100 CEOs are Greek (Source).

If those weren't enough reasons to change your mind about Greek life, consider the following:

• College graduation rates are 20% higher among Greeks than non-Greeks (Source).
• You create lifelong friendships with not only your pledge class, but also older women/men in your chapter and even many others in other Greek organizations.
• Being involved in your philanthropy is an amazing way to give back while in college.
• Greek life gives a sense of belonging.
• Many, many opportunities, on campus and beyond.

I love being Greek. Personally, my favorite part of Greek life is the people I've met through it. I never would have met or talked to so many girls in my chapter had I not joined. I've grown so much as a person already and I'm only a freshman. I'm so incredibly eager to see how the next three years go!

Going Greek is good. When you get down to the bottom of it, being Greek is something amazing and everyone should be able to be proud of their letters. I encourage everyone I know to try out Greek life, go Greek!