With recruitment less than a month away, I cannot help but reflect on these last three years of being in a sorority and how amazing they have been. When I was a freshman, I was extremely reluctant to go through recruitment. I did not think I was a "sorority girl," nor did I want to be a part of something that has such a bad reputation. You hear so many negative things about Greek life that it can make you question whether or not you want to go through recruitment.

But do not let that stop you from going through recruitment.

I went through recruitment because I wanted to try something new and make myself socialize. Being an awkward, quiet girl, I did not think I would find my home away from home. I thought I would be dropped on the first day of recruitment, so I was not going to take it seriously. The week before going through recruitment, my uncle told me which sorority he thought would be the best fit for me—he definitely did more research than I did—and he ended up being right. After going through a couple of the other houses, I stood outside of the sorority that my uncle wanted me to join. I was nervous because I figured these girls would probably be the best fit for me so I had to try a little harder.

When I walked in, I automatically felt at home. From the friendly smiles, to being able to talk about softball and other sports with a couple of girls who would eventually be my sisters, I did not want to leave. I had found my home, and I was so nervous each night of recruitment because I was afraid I would be dropped. But come bid night, as I sat in Lee Chapel holding the envelope that had my bid card in it, I was so excited. I was going to become a part of something bigger than myself, and I was going to get to call a great group of girls my sisters.

Three years later, and I still do not regret my decision of going Greek. It was the best decision I made because I found sisters who love me for who I am and only want to help me grow.

I am not the stereotypical sorority girl. You can find me curled up reading a book on the weekends, I enjoy school way more than most people do, and I am not a party person. But that is okay because the stereotypical sorority girl is something that does not exist.

What the media does not talk about is how much Greeks do for their communities. We take our philanthropy very seriously and want to help the community. With the endless number of community service hours, and the variety of opportunities to hold leadership positions, Greek life teaches you how to become an adult. It provides a support system that will not only last through college, but for the rest of your life. You learn about financial responsibility and time management. Your sisters or brothers will make sure you keep your grades up and study for your tests. You will always have someone to sit with at dinner, and there will be dozens of late night runs to Walmart or Taco Bell.

I have met the most incredible girls who have not only been there to wipe away my tears, but have been the ones to celebrate all of my successes with me. Do not believe the stereotypes because they are not true.

Being in a sorority has helped me grow into the strong, independent woman I am today. I have learned how to be less of an introvert and to always believe in myself. My sorority has helped me gain the confidence I have always lacked, and I would be so lost without my sisters.

So, if you are debating about going through recruitment, go and sign up. You will find your home away from home, and it never hurts to go and try something new. Keep your mind and heart open while you go through recruitment, it will help you find your home.