In high school I was NEVER someone who considered rushing or joining sorority life in college. I had seen enough movies and tv shows to cultivate this image of what being in a sorority meant, and knew I didn't want to be like that (what "that" was I'm not even sure). Movies and shows make sorority life look as though the girls in them are of lesser intelligence or class and party 24/7, and honestly I didn't know anything different for a long time. However, as a girl who has now been through the whole rush process and pledged to an incredible sorority let me tell you---this image is no where close to true.

I can't speak for all sororities or for everyone's experiences with Greek life, every school is different, but here are some things that I've learned through this process and why I decided to go Greek!

1. There is no hazing.

Again I cannot speak for every school, but the university I attend has a very strict no hazing policy and I have not run into anything that even resembles a red flag in this process. In fact it has been the exact OPPOSITE. I haven't had to do anything to earn my way into my chapter or go through crazy extreme rituals to be accepted as a member. The women of my chapter welcomed me in with open arms and are concerned and invested in my well-being having only known me a VERY short amount of time. They are not trying to scare me away, in fact they've made adjusting to college life and social life EASIER because I know I have people who have my back no questions asked.

2. You do not have to change yourself to be in a sorority.

Diversity and being different is CELEBRATED. The girls I get to call my sisters are all different--and celebrated for being so. We have people of almost every major, size, shape, look, and each and every one of them is fully loved. You do not have to look a certain way or change to be a cookie cutter version of yourself to fit in. My sorority wants ME as I am.

3. It's not about the parties, sororities SERVE.

All the chapters at my school have a philanthropy cause they are very devoted to. My chapter is nationally recognized for its service--how amazing is that! If you've ever been a part of National Honors Society, Key club, or any service based group, you can find a sorority that shares your heart.

4. You can have friends outside of your sorority.

Many of the girls I know and went through recruitment with pledged to all different chapters, and that's WONDERFUL. Everyone has a different place and home. However it doesn't keep us from being friends. I am not limited to only being friends with the girls I am sisters with, I'm encouraged to rely on my sisters but to also branch out and have friends anywhere I find them.

5. Greek life makes strong, intelligent, driven women.

That TV stereotype is just not true. The women I have met and look up to are some of the most intelligent, talented, and just beautiful inside and out people I have EVER met. These women are incredible and are connected with me for LIFE. Don't believe what you may have seen online or long ago--these women are absolutely incredible.

No one in my immediate family has ever gone Greek, I'm the first one! I went into this process very new to everything and I have never felt more welcomed and loved and overjoyed to be a part of something so special. These girls go above and beyond to support me and inspire me every day. I've had different text me multiple times a week to see if I need anything, or just want to hang out and eat dessert. I'm so lucky to have such an extraordinary group of girls to rely on--go Greek, you have no idea what's waiting for you!