While I was in high school, I saw older friends graduate and join social sororities and fraternities. I was unsure at first if I wanted to join one when I went to college, but as a senior in high school I decided I was going to give it a try.

I vividly remember my mom asking me if I was sure I wanted to go through a week of recruitment, leave home before all of my friends, and join an organization of 300 plus women when I tend to get along better with guys. I ensured her that I thought about it for a while as people had told me they could not see me in a sorority.

The reason I joined a social sorority was obvious to me. I wanted to make my university of 20,000 plus students feel smaller, which I think is similar to what most people think. There is more to that though. I wanted to have a close group of friends that will be there no matter what the situation, the opportunity to gain experience through leadership roles, and to learn more about myself. I also see a social sorority as a way to give back to the community as social sororities all participate in local and national philanthropy.

My sorority has given me all of this and more. I have said this several times recently, that I would not be who I am or as mature as I am today if I was not surrounded by the group of women with whom I decided to share my college experience. I have learned so much about the philanthropy with which we work and the organization with which we pair. Being able to impact children in our city has made me realize to not take anything for granted. My social sorority has made me a kinder, more appreciative person.

But what about other organizations on campus? There are over 400, shouldn't I join more? Of course! I have joined professional Greek organizations, too. When I mention that I am a part of a fraternity focused on my major and an honors society, people are impressed. People tend to think, "Wow, very scholarly. This girl is going places."

But what makes professional Greek organizations different than social Greek organizations?

To be completely honest, I am sick of the negative connotation, smart remarks, and judgmental looks social Greek organizations receive. Each social organization is also held to an academic standard, and my sorority is proud to be one of the top sororities on South Carolina's campus with our high chapter GPA. As are the other social Greek organizations we are held to standards, have many connections and opportunities and are involved tremendously on campus and in the community.

There are professional Greek organizations on this campus that are similar to social fraternities and sororities in the aspect of the social events that they hold, but while the social aspects are similar they are viewed much differently. A party is a party no matter what type of organization is hosting.

Why is every mistake made by a social sorority or fraternity brought to light by news sources when the same thing is happening in professional sororities and fraternities?

My social sorority is impacting me just as much as my professional Greek organization. I treat them the same. I wish society would take a step back and realize that social Greek organizations do just as much good for one another and the community as professional Greek organizations. Both types of Greek organizations make the same mistakes as well.