My first lesson in Greek life involved an Alpha Phi shoving a “Go Greek” flyer into my hands and moving past me into the crowd to hand more flyers to new freshman. I threw the flyer away two seconds later.

Greek life wasn’t for me. I didn’t own Lilly Pulitzer, I didn’t walk each step with Starbucks in hand and I sure as hell did not want a set of letters to define who I was as a person. I now sit here three years later, and laugh at every thought that went through my head that day.

I was an optimistic freshman, and with a little bit of encouragement from friends I decided to go through the rush process. I could probably write a novel describing those two weekends of my life, but instead I’ll speed through the stories.

Rush was hard. I had no clue what to wear, what to talk about, how much to smile or where I wanted to end up. I took it day by day and let the chips fly. At the end of the two weekends I pulled out my bid card and physically sprinted to my home chapter. I’ve never hugged a stranger harder nor cried as many tears of joy with so many random people.

So, now, it’s my senior year and I think back to my first encounter with Greek life. To be honest, I was unfair. I let stereotypes and my own lack of knowledge influence my opinion on an entire community of individuals that I somehow manage to fit into.

I’d like to clarify that my life does not revolve 24/7 around my letters. I am involved in other organizations, hold a job, and balance class and sleep some along the way. I’m most proud to say that the letters that I wear on my chest are not only for the organization that I’m a part of, but rather is where I’ve found home. My point is that as soon as I received my bid, I did not turn into a smile holding, Lilly Pulitzer wearing, Starbucks addict who walks around campus with my nose held high.

Instead, I gained much more than I could’ve ever experienced through my college years. I learned to love those that I don’t get along with, appreciate the skills and talents of individuals around me, and have become confident in who I am and what I expect of myself. I can attribute half of these accomplishments to the women that I surround myself with daily that share my same letters.

Three years later, I appreciate everything that Greek life has given me. While many think it’s the drinks shared, the gossip given, or the hierarchy pyramid that makes Greek life so prominent and memorable, it’s not. My memories about being a sorority girl stray far away from the stereotypes that are given to the name.

I don’t blame you if you think like this. I did. I had my mind made up before I even knew anything about Greek life. Everything that I assumed was wrong. I’m just glad that my stubbornness bit me in the ass before it was too late.

Thank you, Greek life, for being more than just the stereotype that too many people give you every time recruitment comes around. Thank you for giving me the chance and opportunity to become something bigger than myself. Most importantly, thank you to my fellow sisters for giving me love and support in every aspect of my life. I truly don’t know where I’d be without you.