“Are you in Greek life?” It is a question that would catch me off guard and I would struggle to answer, even though the answer is simple. I used to be afraid to respond yes because I did not know how the person asking the question would view me once I told them.

I have been told by some to not put my Greek affiliation on my resume because the employer may see that as a negative attribute and disregard me as an applicant. Others have advised me to not tell someone I am in Greek life when I first meet them so they will not judge me. I used to be afraid to wear my letters the first week of classes each semester or when I went to speak with a teacher during office hours because I feared I would be looked at differently. I would sometimes overhear random strangers badmouthing Greek life but not stand up to them and defend my community.

But I have realized that I should be nothing but proud to be a member of Greek life. I am tired of letting other people make myself as well as other Greek life members feel ashamed to be apart of a community.

Yes, I am a member of Greek life, and I am proud to be. Because of Greek life, I have helped raise thousands of dollars for various philanthropies. I have held two positions on my executive board and developed my leadership skills. I have gained more than 200 sisters that I can rely on in any situation. I have become part of a community that makes a big school feel smaller because of the connections I have made.

I am tired of being afraid to say that I am a member of Greek life. I am tired of fearing that people will think of me differently when they find out I am in a Greek life. I am tired of having to hide a huge part of my life because I do not want to be judged.

So yes to the future employers that I interview with, I am in Greek life and would love to tell you about my experiences and how it has shaped me into someone that would be valuable to your company. Yes to the strangers I meet; I am in Greek life and would love to make your opinion on Greek members a positive one. Yes to anyone who sees me wearing my letters, I am in Greek life and I am proud to show off that I am.

Yes to anyone who asks, I am a proud member of Greek life and I am not afraid to show it.