I am a bad sorority girl. Oh, I know the songs and I go to meetings. I love my letters and I throw up our hand signal at even the most inappropriate times (In class? Been there done that.) But you know what I hate? I hate that being Greek carries with it a certain connotation: that you look a certain way when going to class.

I’m from a suburb of Chicago, and let me tell you, we wear t-shirts that fit. I have worn size small t-shirts since the beginning of middle school and I did not think that was such a strange concept. That is, until I came to college.

What is with the big t-shirts? Are you wearing shorts under there? Did you brush your hair this morning? I can agree that this look is easy and of course extremely comfortable. But why is the goal to look as though we just rolled out of bed?

It honestly dismays me that this has become the norm for “sorority girls.” No one is surprised when a girl in class shows up in her huge t-shirt. But if a girl shows up wearing a skirt, or a dress, or (Dare I say it?) a blazer (my personal favorite article of clothing), you probably wonder if she has a presentation or speech to give. Very rarely do you see girls wearing normal shorts or a nice pair of jeans with a nice top. Why does that have to be the case? Why does dressing like a respectable adult carry such a stigma for college females?

I have learned so much from joining my sisterhood, and I don’t regret a second of it. It has taught me responsibility and commitment and has given me an incredible sense of belonging. It allows me to grow into an adult while still having the time of my life. So if I have learned so much from an organization, why would I want to represent that by looking like a slob? I want to present my sorority with the class and grace I have learned from its members. How can I do that by representing myself as a stereotype?

I am not saying that I disrespect the sacred combination of Nikes and a t-shirt. I like to be comfortable too! But let’s take a moment to look at what fraternity stereotypes look like.

Fraternity guys have a stereotypical “uniform” as well. It is not unusual to see guys on campus rocking colored shorts, Sperrys, and a polo or button-up. And it looks great! They look comfortable and attractive. How come they get this luxury? Why is it that the charming men of the Greek system look so good? Because they understand the value of representation. They showcase themselves as respectable guys and other people respond well to that.

I truly believe that making the decision to go Greek is an amazing one. It will teach you how to be the best version of yourself. To prove this to the doubters out there, I aim to show this to them by how I represent myself. If I only show myself as a sleepy slob, how will they believe that my Greek organization has made me a better person?

So maybe throw on a blazer every once in awhile and show the world the adult you’re becoming. When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you are good.