In honor of Bid Day being last weekend for Greek life, I saw it only fitting to write about what it means to be in a sorority. While it is different for everyone, this is my side of being a sorority girl, which some of you may vibe with.

I have to start out by saying that I never even considered joining a sorority before coming to Millikin University. Even when I came to Millikin as a freshman, the girls on my swim team encouraged joining. My answer was always, "I don't know. I'm not really a girly girl," as in many of my friend groups I'm almost considered one of the guys. I don't take pride in my makeup and I love dressing sporty. Now, that may be a whole different article, but the more I became involved on campus and met people, I realized Greeks were everywhere: in leadership positions, in multiple organizations, in athletics. Everyone I met that was Greek was so different and I loved that; maybe it wouldn't be so bad. So, I went through recruitment and ended up joining my new home Pi Beta Phi. What an experience it has been since that point in my life three years ago.

Many sorority girls say that from the outside looking in, someone wouldn't understand sisterhood; that is partly true. Sororities have such a stigma of partying, "buying friends", sleeping around, and being "fake pretty girls" that it drives so many women and men away from the idea. Believe me, I've been there. But, when you get in and share this bond of sisterhood with people you never knew before it is a one of a kind experience.

Each sorority has its own set of values that they look for in their women. It still astounds me that this stranger you may have never met before is now bound with you through core values. We aren't buying our friends, we make bonds with people that are different than us on the outside because we've discovered that we share something special: our values. It is so much more special to build friendships based on your values (and no, you're not best friends with everyone, because that would be fake). The friendships I have made in my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, I will forever hold close to my heart and some are perhaps some of the most valuable friendships I have made.

Being in a sorority has given me multiple opportunities to grow intellectually. Through Pi Phi, I have grown in so many ways. Being in a sorority, and on a small campus, has opened my mind and heart to many types of people and the community. Everyone is different - whether it be their interests, personal beliefs, sexuality, gender, or cultural background. I love that! I will be honest, though, it was not easy for me to be that accepting and open to new ideas before. I am from a small Southern Illinois rural town of 4000; therefore, I have not been exposed to that much diversity. I am so thankful for Pi Phi, which has helped me learn how to become receptive to ideas and gain intellectual growth.

Sororities help you to discover and improve yourself. As corny as that sounds, it is true. There are many leadership opportunities offered that will help you to build leadership skills, communication skills, and empathy. I was the Vice President of Philanthropy for my chapter and I absolutely loved it - it gave me experience in group leadership, organization, community service and collaboration. Not only does being in a sorority produce growth through leadership opportunities but also through social experiences. You learn more about yourself than you ever thought you would; your strengths, your weaknesses, how you can build upon them and even more of what you value. My sisters have been there for me through some really low points in my life; they didn't judge me, but they didn't lie to me either. They reminded me of my values and gave me honest advice, which is very hard to find especially at the college level of crazy experiences.

I wouldn't change being in a sorority for anything. Yes, there are a lot of girls. Some are girly, and I would have to say I've picked up on some of that (thankfully), but there are people of all types everywhere in the world and everyone has something special to offer. For the girls like me who are "bros" and thinking about joining a sorority, I hope you try it. I think it will surprise you. For those of you who are not Greek, don't knock it. Instead, get to know it! I guarantee there is someone in your life who is Greek and you didn't even know it. Being in a sorority and Greek life truly does change your life, for the best!