When you think about college, Greek life is probably one thing that comes to mind. Every year, as spring semester approaches, there's a buzz of rumors around campus about what each sorority is like, what stigma accompanies each one, and which one is the one to be in. After returning from winter break my freshman year, all my roommate could talk about was the different sororities, and I began to get caught up in the hype of it all. A few days before rush week was scheduled to begin, I decided I would give it a chance.

The first day of rush week was canceled due to a snowstorm. I found myself relieved that I wouldn't have to attend and actually thanking God for the heavy snow--which says a lot being that campus was already consumed by 4 feet of it.

After feeling such relief, I decided not to rush. I knew that Greek life just wasn't for me. There were many factors that contributed to my decision not to join a sorority and although I was afraid I might, I do not regret it even a little.

I have nothing against sororities and their sisterhood and whatever else comes with it. However, before college, my only impression of it was shaped by movies and news stories about hazing and death from alcohol poisoning. It didn't necessarily scream "join our honorable sorority!"

Until I saw my roommate go through it, I didn't realize that it is actually a way to make friends. It is a community to belong. It allows you to identify with other girls, and some of it seemed like a lot of fun.

However, I also saw the downsides to it. It is tradition that the older sisters boss around the pledges and make them do crazy things whether they call it hazing or not. I heard stories about the older sisters screaming in pledges' faces and they were forced to not react. To me, my dignity and being treated like a human being are more important than being accepted into an exclusive group.

In addition to being degraded, I was never one who was able to fake it very well. I am not good at hiding my emotions. If I'm annoyed, you can see it on my face very clearly (RBF in full-effect). Being in a sorority, you don't get to choose your friends or "sisters." They are simply just those who are also a part of this group, and you have to spend time with them whether you like them or not.

Not only did I not want to pretend to like people and fake enthusiasm over things like a pink paddle with my monogram on it, I also prioritize other things and knew I'd probably be resented for that. When it comes to pledging, I know that I would never compromise my grades for it, and if it came down to it, I'd skip a sorority event to study for an exam without thinking or being sorry for it.

Everyone's different. I may not get excited over certain things, but maybe you do. I may not be capable of hiding my emotions or want to fake it, but maybe you're okay with that. I may have no interest in joining a sorority, but it may be something you've always wanted to do. Many girls I know love it and have a ton of fun as a sister. However, it won't be fun if you're someone like me who would have to force herself to participate and try hard to enjoy it. To me, being part of a sisterhood wasn't worth the hell girls go through to get there.