I once didn't understand sororities. When people say "sorority" you think of parties, weird hand signs, annoying chanting and cute shirts. I used to as well. Until I actually joined a sorority.

My sorority is my home away from home. It is a place I can go after a long day and relax. It is a place where a million memories have been made. It is a place I go to share the good or bad news. It is a place I go and can be my 100 percent self. Before you think the house is a materialistic place to live, think about what it offers to its members.

My friends ARE my sisters. It's weird because they aren't blood-related, but there is a special bond between sorority sisters. They share the same morals and values as I do. Although not one person is the same, we all share similar qualities. Before you remind me that they aren't my actual sisters, think about the bond we share.

My sisterhood is important to me. Outsiders don't often think much past the current status of sororities. However, I am a part of the first and strongest sorority. Pi Beta Phi was the first sorority founded by 12 women who had a vision of what women could accomplish (in the 1860s). Pi Phi started out as a fraternity because sororities weren't even a thing. There is amazing history and the bonds between current members and alumnae is incredible. Sororities are not a cult, they are an organization full of women who hep each other grow and serve the community. Before you think about the current members, remember there are women in the past who had a vision about what it meant to be a Sorority woman.

My philanthropy is important to me. Every sorority has different philanthropic service projects. While you are choosing your house, you also learn about the organizations that you can make a difference in. Service is one of the major reasons sororities even exist. Before you say we only care about ourselves, think about all the lives we have impacted.

My sorority does not haze members. On my campus, there is a zero tolerance for hazing. I trust in my sisters that they have my best interest at heart and won't do anything to harm me. As I get older, I promise to return the compassion for the sake of the younger members. Before you blame people's actions on a member, think about the sororities policies and the members personal values.

My colors, letters and hand signs mean something. Wine and silver blue (Pi Phi's colors) have a meaning to the organization. The words Pi, Beta and Phi have a meaning. Our two hand signs also have a meaning. Before you want to poke fun at the colors and letters I wear or the signs I hold, think about the personal meaning behind them.

My sisters and I have fun no matter what. People think the only way sorority members can have fun is at a party surrounded by fraternity boys. False. My sisters and I have fun no matter what we are doing. Although people like to think all we do is party, there is so much more that we do together.

I know sororities are fun to make fun of, I used to be one of those people. But I wouldn't change my experience for the world. Before you call me a sorority girl, remember my personality before I joined a sorority and think about it since I joined a sorority. I am still the same person, but I'm a better version of me.

Is that such a bad thing?