So when I was in high school, I knew barely anything about sororities or Greek life in general. All I knew is when I heard of what one was, I didn't want to be any part of it. I began my freshman year at Pfeiffer University, a tiny Liberal Arts college mainly based around athletics and no Greek life. I knew I was not bound to spend my four-year college experience there, so I applied to Western Carolina after my first semester. It brought me great joy to find out that I was accepted and soon to start there next fall.

A professor at my old school was in a sorority at NC State University, and advised me to join once I transferred. Honestly, she opened my eyes to a lot of things Greek life has to offer that I never would've had if I chose to stay away from Greek life.

Most think joining a sorority only means one thing. I am not a fan of Lilly print. I do not own the newest pair of Jack Rodgers on the market. I am most definitely not the girl drinking until I can't see straight. I don't sleep with every fraternity boy that walks my way. I pay my way through school. My Mommy and Daddy most definitely don't shower me with money. I don't count my calories. I love fattening foods. As you can see, I am pretty much a normal 21-year-old. Now, although I don't have all qualities most consider "srat," I have the basic white girl qualities too. I love long t-shirts that don't show my Norts, I love wearing hats when my hair is greasier than a cheeseburger, I Insta my entire life, and I love to go out with my friends and drink at the bar. There are so many negative views towards Greek life that I used to believe were true.

So when do sororities get known for all the great things they do?

When I joined my sorority I learned about other girls more than I ever would have. I can't stand girls. Yes, I can't stand girls, and I am in a sorority. What I loved about the girls in mine is that they were the exact same way. They didn't pretend to be something they weren't. I learned discipline by looking up to older people within the sorority, and had girls open up to me that barely knew me. I have never had an older sister, and this organization blessed me with the closest thing to it. I never have to worry about not having someone to eat with, not because I'm "paying for it," but because they are simply looking for that friendship too. If we are in college, we are all essentially paying for friends anyway. Tuition ain't free, homie.

Although we want an everlasting bond, we are mostly based around our philanthropies. That's right. We give to different charities and foundations without expecting anything in return, because we love to give. Not to mention, we have to keep up our grades to be and stay in Greek life. We spend a hell of a lot more time in the library than in the bar, or else say goodbye to those letters. We do a lot for the school we attend and have a blast doing it, so why do we keep being shamed for it?

First of all, let me say that you joining a sorority does not mean you lose your individualism. Everyone loves to be a part of something. What better way to do that than with girls your age and with similar interests? Not even trying to be like every sorority girl that has ever said this, but I am not your typical sorority girl. I proudly walk around with my letters on my chest...not because I am any better than you, but because I am better than who I used to be. Sounds dramatic, but joining a big group of girls really can change you for the better.

Greek life is not for everyone, but hey, neither is golf. Physics surely isn't for everyone. Hell, school isn't even for everyone. So stop shaming those who join Greek life. No matter what you choose to do with your college years, take chances. If I listened to all those haters out there shaming Greek life, I wouldn't be the person I am today, and I'd like to think that's a pretty bad ass individual.