Greek Life is full of stereotypes about who we are, what we do and how we live. Unfair to most of us, the decisions of some organizations influence how people on the outside view us as a whole. If I had a dollar for every time I heard that we "buy" our friends, I would at least have fifty dollars and I have been going through my initiation process for six weeks. Fifty is a lot when you have only been affiliated with Greek Life for 42 days.

Every sorority and fraternity has a price for dues. Usually, they are a bit pricey. Some way more than others but in general, at least two to three hundred. Yes, dues are mandatory but all the money comes back to us in some way, shape or form. They cover our badges, semi and formal dinners, Greek Week materials, events, and other things that the sorority needs to keep our status as a chapter. There are people who work to continue the sororities and fraternities that also do need a pay and they help to support Greeks everywhere. So how is it that we still "buy" our friends? It seems to trip me up every time.

Through my initiation process, I have received the best gift from my sorority, my Big. And with my Big comes a whole family tree of women who share the same values as one another. A family tree that as a little, you get absorbed into so quickly because everyone loves you and cannot wait to have you. No "buying" necessary. I also know that on bid day, you walk into a group of people who do not know your name. They do not know much about you or what your favorite song is but then know you found a home their org and they love you already because you chose them.

In these organizations, a family is formed. It is a home for the new members and old members to learn to love each other. I know in my org of over 140 girls, I can go to anyone of them when I need help. I knew I could they day they accepted me into their family. I never paid a single dollar towards their org. I never offered money in exchange for my position in the org, but I was accepted and made bonds that are sure to last a lifetime.

We do not buy our friends. We pay for our sorority to strive to do the things we stand for. We pay to be able to sponsor events to raise money for our philanthropies. We pay for things that help others to have a better life. We do not pay for each other's love. If you still think so, I am sorry you do. We build our friendship and bonds through chapters, sisterhoods/brotherhoods, events, community service, Greek Weeks, sporting events, co-sponsorships, study hours, and group trips, just to name a few of the great things we do.

What you put into your organization is what you will get out of your organization. Simply paying your dues will never be enough. Our bonds are made through the effort we put into our chapter and the friendships we make through the sharing of values and beliefs in our communities. What you put into Greek Life, you will get out of Greek Life and a few hundred dollars will never be enough to make up for all we do as a family.