Coming into college, I had no idea if I wanted to go through recruitment or not. I had obviously heard about Greek life since it is a main component around nearly every college campus, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be for me or not. I had decided to go through with it since all of my friends were-I figured it couldn't hurt to just see what it was all about. After going through recruitment I can say it's one of the best ideas I've ever made.

After what Greek life and my chapter has brought to my life, I must say it is really time to stop shaming sororities and fraternities and labeling them and start seeing them for what they really are.

Greek life is closely associated with partying and exclusiveness, and that's not at all what it is about. None of us would go through recruitment and the new member process just to "party." Any college kid could do that if they wanted to. Greek life is about creating lifelong friendships with our brothers and sisters.

Greek life is more than its labels. It should be recognized for all that it brings to campus life and the communities around us, not the stereotypes you hear from social media and everywhere else. Through my chapter we do so much community service around the school and our city. It is so amazing to be able to be a part of something so great and make a difference in the lives of the people in need of it. Being able to be a part of an organization that can raise thousands of dollars for our philanthropy is such a huge accomplishment.

I love my chapter, and I am so proud to be a part of it. I am forever grateful for the friendships I've formed and the people I've met, and I love the fact that I have a family away from home who will be there for me through anything, not only for four years but for life.