I'm in a sorority, and I know there is a stigma around that. The stigma says that I must be a partier, that I only hang out with other Greeks and that I would rather hit the bars then hit the books.

I must admit, I was skeptical at first, too. When I went to my fall recruitment last year, I was intimidated by all of the beautiful campus leaders that I saw in front of me. After being there for 10 minutes, I realized that I needed to be Phi Sig. I saw that those (offensive) stigmas were the exact reason that I wanted to be a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma. I quickly learned that contrary to popular belief, my sorority put an emphasis on education and the advancement of womanhood.

Our open motto, "Aim High" is often used as words of encouragement throughout the Zeta Chi Chapter. There is a strict alcohol policy that protects us from the stigmas of alcoholism in sorority life. The women that I call sisters are also some of our campus' leaders. Philanthropy is also given a special importance in the hearts of Phi Sigs. Just in this past year, we raised the highest amount for Relay For Life on our campus, participated in blood drives, brought alcohol awareness to our campus and provided school supplies to underprivileged students in our area. These are just some of the few philanthropic projects that I was lucky enough to be a part of this year. I went Greek because I wanted to be a part of something that does these amazing things.

Of course, having 90 built in best friends at school was appealing, but more importantly than that, I wanted to be a part of a group that gives back and recognizes that although we don't necessarily owe the world anything, it feels awesome to do for others. This also goes for just everyday things. I can go to any of my sisters when I need help. I can ask for homework help, help with preparing for a job interview, even to have someone to call late at night to watch a movie with. There is always someone available to selflessly assist in any way that you need. Phi Sig gave me confidence. I took on leadership positions within the sorority, and then found it in myself to reach out to other campus clubs and take on leadership roles there. I currently hold three leadership positions on campus. The confidence and the poise that I learned from being a "sorority girl" cannot compare to anything else that I have ever done, and I am proud to be a Phi Sigma Sigma.