In this day in age, it is not uncommon to turn on the TV or go on Facebook and see a story about another fraternity or sorority doing wrong. But for every hazing story, there are a hundred philanthropic ones; for every binge-drinking mishap, there are a hundred sober sisterhood events; and for every racist chant, there are a hundred loving moments. I am not here to defend the bad, but to shed light on the good. I am writing this to tell you about the other side of Greek life. This is why I love my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta.

I came through formal recruitment with half my head shaved and purple hair. I had surprised all my high school friends and teachers and my family when I posted on Facebook how happy I was to sign up for recruitment. I was painfully shy and had all the cliches of sisterhood in my head. I had spent my whole winter break looking up recruitment tips and watching "Greek" on Netflix. At the end of the most difficult week of freshman year and after trying to sign my bid card with the rose they gave me instead of a pen, I was welcomed home to Alpha Xi Delta.

Since that night, my love for Alpha Xi Delta has only grown. All through new member education I fell more in love and admiration as I learned about the organization I was joining. I was inspired by the stories of the 10 women who founded my sisterhood in 1893. I imagined their excitement as they held hands and walked into the packed chapel of their college announcing their new organization. I realized that Cora Bollinger Block really was my home girl. The resolution and feeling that I had joined something much bigger than myself or my chapter filled me with heart sunshine.

My mom works with children with autism and I can truly tell you she has found what she was meant to do in life. She is an amazing woman and one of my biggest role models. Our bond has only gotten that much stronger by working with Autism Speaks and promoting autism awareness through Alpha Xi Delta. Our philanthropy is such a touching and worthwhile cause that it just fills me with so much pride in my chapter and the organization as a whole when I can say we have raised over $4 million for research, support, and awareness -- a million of that only being in the last year. So many of my sisters give so much to philanthropy; when I see their work, it really makes me want to be a more giving person.

Over the summer I was given the opportunity to travel up to Boston for our National Convention. It was crazy to be checking into a hotel at 7 a.m. -- I have never waited longer for Starbucks than in that hotel lobby -- and seeing hundreds of women wearing my letters. Some had Texas-size blonde hair and full makeup while others had a spirit jersey and jean shorts on. All of them, though, had something in common: the values and sisterhood of Alpha Xi Delta. I was able to talk to women who were receiving special badges for their years of dedication to the sorority -- women who I had never met were hugging me and sharing stories of their active years. All these women held the meaning of Alpha Xi Delta as close to their heart as I did, and I felt truly honored that these women were entrusting their sorority in me.

Without Alpha Xi Delta I would have never gotten my Little, Danielle. Now, I could write a whole article about this intelligent, caring, strong, amazing woman, but that is not what I am here to do. Danielle is just another example of the friendship I have been able to gain through joining Greek life. We have been able to learn and grow from each other in so many ways. If there is anything bothering me or my life is a total hot mess express, I know that there is someone down the hall from me that will, at the very least, listen. I am totally #blessed to have been able to find such an incredible friend.

Life is not always like those sappy, fresh-manicured-nails and picture-perfect recruitment videos, but from those hardships with my sorority I have grown even more. Some of the toughest times in my sorority have taught me the most about myself, leadership, compassion, and friendship. One of things I love most about Alpha Xi Delta is our diversity. We have sisters from all different majors, clubs, socio-economic backgrounds, and even countries. Some sisters go out almost every weekend and some are sober; some wear heels and dresses every day and others own more sweatpants than skirts. These differences do not come without their difficulties, though. This is especially true when you are trying to lead these women. These struggles taught me so much, and although sometimes I was really bitter and hurt, I am thankful for the lessons they brought.

I never thought Greek life would be for me, but now I could not imagine my college experience any other way. Although I am going into my second semester of junior year and looking at law schools, I know that I have women all over the country that share my values and who are my sisters. Sorority life is not all about crafts, glitter, alcohol, and cute outfits, I have learned true sisterhood, service, leadership, and the power of knowledge. Even if my involvement in my sorority peters off, I will always hold these memories and know the true love I have found in my home, Alpha Xi Delta.