It is no secret the media puts a negative spin on Greek life. But here I am, a happy Greek-affiliated writer reporting on what joining a fraternity or sorority really means. I could hit you with the ever so popular defense statements regarding how we don’t pay for our friends, or how going Greek is more than just partying, but I’ll spare you that agony.

Instead, I’ll have students of the University of Arizona Greek community tell you themselves. Through my personal experiences as a woman who went Greek, I have met some pretty amazing people — some of which make up the content of this article. Members of all ages in different sororities and fraternities were asked three questions regarding Greek life; their responses could not be more accurate.

How has Greek life bettered your college experience?

“Greek life has bettered my college experience by introducing me to my best friends, and by making me stay focused on school because you have to have a certain GPA.” – Juliana Brutsche, Kappa Kappa Gamma

“Greek life has given me the opportunity to connect with like-minded people around campus, and to make life long friends and memories. It has also helped me develop myself as a student and a leader.”
– Heath Fields, Pi Kappa Alpha

“I came to Arizona not knowing a single person, and Greek life really helped me step outside my comfort zone and made the process of making new friends in a strange place easier. So far, Greek life has provided me with an unparalleled college experience. It’s a great social network and I know that many of the friends I’ve made here, through Greek life, are for life.”
– Crista Butler, Kappa Alpha Theta

“Greek life has given me that home away from home. I feel like that is such a common statement made by the men and women of Greek life, but it is so unbelievably true. Having over 200 women to go to for guidance, whether it is on how to study for an exam or just someone to confide in about personal problems, is so incredibly reassuring.” – Deonna Pereira, Delta Gamma

What is your favorite part about Greek life?

“My favorite part about Greek life is having a place to go home to, and knowing you have an entire group of people that always has your back.” – Allie Goodman, Gamma Phi Beta

“It makes UA, which is a huge school, seem a lot smaller. The Greek community has the power to bring people together in a strong, unique fashion that is very special.” – Jonah Weiss, Kappa Sigma

“My favorite part of Greek life is the sense of community and togetherness we have. Although I belong to one chapter, I feel that the Greek community comes together and supports one another.” – Marissa Zummo, Pi Beta Phi

“It’s a tie between the lifelong friendships and the free t-shirts, probably the free t-shirts.” – Chirs Roper, Beta Theta Pi

“My favorite part about Greek life is being able to meet someone new and learning that their story is so different from mine, yet we ended up at the same school and can relate on so many different levels.”
– Ashley Klokkevold, Sigma Kappa

“My favorite part about Greek life definitely has been watching myself grow into a better man. I have been faced with several real life situations that will better my future. I have also become the leader I have always wanted to become and that would have never happened if it weren’t for my leadership positions within my fraternity.” – Tyler Rice, Sigma Chi

What does being Greek mean to you?

“Being Greek means representing the school, Tucson community, my fraternity, and all of Greek life in a positive manner. We contribute to the community and volunteer for philanthropic causes more than any other organization on campus – that's pretty special.”
– Grayson Largman, Sigma Alpha Epsilon

“To me, Greek life means to uphold your values and morals and represent your chapter in a positive and respectful way. It means friendship, sisterhood, and memories that you will keep forever.” – Konner Speth, Alpha Phi

“Being Greek, to me, means being a part of a family that has no ends. Through college life’s thick and thin — MIPs, academic probation, falling in love with a person you only slept with once, and all of life’s other problems — you always have a brotherhood or sisterhood that will be there for you, no questions asked.” – Max Orloff, Alpha Epsilon Pi

“Being in Greek life means the world to me. I’m a Phi or die. I’ll never be able to fully express my gratitude to my sisters for helping me grow into the person I’m proud to be today. They helped me find myself and for that I’ll always be thankful and indebted to them.” – Meryl Engle, Alpha Epsilon Phi

“Being Greek, to me, is more than wearing letters on your chest. It is about living life to the absolute fullest and to your fraternal values. It is about waking up everyday and making sure that in all your actions you are holding yourself to the standard you voluntary took when you took the oath of joining your organization.” – Brian Kewin, Interfraternity Council President

Preach.