Recently there has been a lot of “anti-Greek” talk. While I understand some of the reasons people feel the need to talk badly about the Greek community, I would like to mention the reasons why being in a sorority has changed my life for the better, and it has nothing to do with partying, alcohol, or boys.

When I started my recruitment process I was absolutely terrified. I felt like I needed to join a sorority because I went to a college in the south and it was expected. I had heard all the stereotypes and reputations of every sorority at the school and had no idea where I would belong, but luckily I found a home. I found a group of girls who I can be myself around. I can tell you with complete certainty that every person in this sorority wouldn’t hesitate to help me if I needed it. I know that every person in this sorority would hold my hand and pray for me if I needed it. These girls are not only my friends they are my sisters, and without them I wouldn’t have grown to be the person I am today.

I like to think that I am a better person now than I was before I went Greek. Part of our creed states, “To learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served.” Being involved in a sorority with such an incredible philanthropy like breast cancer education and awareness has taught me that the feeling you get when helping others is worth more than any money in the world. I would volunteer a million times again to get the thanks I have gotten from people who have suffered or know someone who has suffered from breast cancer. The simple look on their face, knowing that someone cares enough to help, is by far enough for me, and I’m sure everyone else in the chapter.

Our creed also states, “To be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle.” We make a point to be accepting of everybody’s different backgrounds and beliefs. Everybody is different and that is what makes being a part of such a big group of girls so amazing. In our group of hundreds of girls there are people who are from all over the country, and a couple from farther than that. I have learned things and tried things that I would’ve never gotten a chance to if I hadn’t ever become a part of something so large and great.

“To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives.” Greek life isn’t about the functions, mixers, and t-shirts. It is finding people to surround yourself with that will make you a better person. These people should build you up, not tear you down. The years you are active in a Greek organization should teach you how to be a better person.

I hope that this shows that being Greek is much more than it looks like from the outside. It is a way for young students to be a part of something bigger than just themselves. It teaches love, respect, dignity, acceptance, leadership, charity, how to be an all around better person and much more. I urge the people involved in Greek organizations to prove how much they are capable of, to promote the positive parts of being Greek. People who aren’t in Greek organizations I hope you find it in your heart to give us a chance to prove that we aren’t like the stereotypes you’ve heard about, and if given a chance we can prove ourselves to be a community everybody should want to be involved in, not scared to be in.