To the ones who judge me for my letters,
I wear my letters with pride. They mean the world to me. The fact that I was accepted into such a unique and diverse chapter makes me so proud. My letters are a part of me and I will not apologize for that.
Yes, I understand the media does show the horrible side of Greek life.The media will show a sliver of what actually happens. It will show the rape case at a fraternity house or the case of underage drinking at a fraternity party. I agree that yes those things happen, however, it doesn't only happen at fraternity parties.
Let me emphasize that, it does not only happen at fraternity parties.
I've been scared to walk on campus at night due to the thought of that happening. I've been scared walking past a group of guys due to the thought of that happening. Underage drinking happens literally everywhere. High school kids are doing it in their parents' backyards for goodness sakes. It's not just a Fraternity and Sorority Life issue. It's a people issue.
However, the side of Greek life that isn't shown on the media is the reality. They don't show our philanthropy events that raise money for various organizations such as Girls on the Run, Wounded Warriors Project, Dream Center, etc. They don't show how we come together if a Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) member passes away. They don't show how happy we are on Bid Day when we bring in new amazing women and men to our chapters because we know how great of a contribution they will be to our sisterhood/brotherhood. They won't show you how proud every member of FSL is when wearing their letters. The media doesn't show you the good because the good doesn't get views.
My sisterhood means everything and more to me. I've dealt with a lot of hard issues this year and they were there to support me every step of the way. I lost four loved ones in my first semester and the first people I ran to were my sisters. They've been my shoulder to cry on, my distractions from life, my laughter and my happiness. They've made me a better version of myself, a version I didn't know I could become. Becoming a sorority woman is not just about the "popularity" or "business connections," it's about finding a place where you truly belong.
Not just my chapter, but the entire Fraternity and Sorority Life community is full of spectacular people. "Frat guys are the worst" is a common phrase I hear, and yet, those guys are the ones who will jump up and give up their seats on the Bearline for anyone who needs them. The fraternity men we have here on campus are phenomenal men and I have the utmost respect for them. I'm proud to say I'm friends with them.
The sorority women on campus are sensational. They support our chapter with our philanthropy events and are constantly supporting us on social media and vice versa. We all are a family and encourage each other through everything. I'm blessed to be a part of an organization that accepts me for exactly who I am. Gamma Phi Beta is a huge part of me.
To everyone who judges me for my letters, I'm not sorry for wearing them with pride. I will support this community and my chapter until the day I die.
