In many cases, joining a fraternity or sorority immediately changes the opinion of friends, family, and acquaintances, often not for the better. When many people hear the words “fraternity,” “sorority,” or “Greek Life,” the picture painted in their minds is often one of wild parties, alcohol abuse, violent hazing, and rampant breaches of social norms through general immorality. As a sorority woman, this is such a huge disappointment because I joined my sorority for sisterhood, and through the sorority I chose, I have been showered with love that is ever steadfast. I found the sisterhood I was searching for, and never a day in my life have I been ashamed to call myself a sorority woman.

When you Google “fraternity” and click on News, the vast majority of the articles discuss the suspension of fraternities, hazing charges, and the like. Three former members of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at UVA are suing Rolling Stone, but Greek Life at UVA has already been incredibly damaged by the falsely created story of "rape culture" at the University. University of Florida's Zeta Beta Tau chapter was falsely and baselessly accused of spitting on veterans over Spring Break and the chapter was immediately disbanded, even though further investigation showed that the claims were false.

The dissolution of a fraternity of sorority chapter can, in some instances leave students homeless. Greeks have been expelled for lesser "crimes" than the ones above that were only agitated by media involvement. This is a steep price to pay for events that have been falsely created by the media.

Between those headlines, there are stories about Wofford College’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter receiving the Hearts and Hands Award for the fraternity’s commitment to raising funds and support for the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. Members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity crossed the country on motorcycles to raise awareness for people with disabilities. Every Pi Kapp on the ride pledged to raise five thousand five hundred dollars each. For this reason, it's astounding to see the way fraternities are perceived by the media.

Of course, the same spirit of philanthropy exists with sororities. Delta Zeta has pledged to raise $5,000,000 for the Starkey Speech and Hearing Foundation over the next five years. Every woman in every sorority makes an incredible commitment to philanthropic giving as part of her active membership, but the news headlines don’t reflect that. In addition to the allegations of disrespect to those around them that are often completely false, they discuss a sequel in production to the movie Neighbors titled Sorority Rising.

Neighbors, starring Zac Efron and Seth Rogen is about a couple with a newborn baby who move in next door to a fraternity house and have an awful time having the fraternity as neighbors. The movie is rated R for “pervasive language, strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use throughout.” In the movie, the fraternity brothers are absolutely terrible people with no moral compass and a complete lack of respect for their neighbors. One can only assume that the sequel will be the same, but will take below-the-belt shots at sorority women. The director of Neighbors & Sorority Rising claims no fraternity affiliation, yet he has taken the liberty of producing an expensive and widely recognized Hollywood film that completely bastardizes what it means to be a fraternity man.

This infographic says it all. There is an obvious correlation between Greek affiliation and success beyond the college years.

One of the biggest Greek Life stereotypes is that we all binge drink and partake in unsafe activities that are a result over alcohol over-consumption. I personally abstain from alcohol consumption and have many sorority sisters who do, too. Alcohol companies are required by the government to ask consumers to "please drink responsibly." Among fraternities and sororities, great steps are taken to make sure that alcohol and Greek Life don't directly intermingle--most sororities have banned alcohol purchases using sorority funds, alcohol is not allowed in houses, and social events that DO provide alcohol are heavily monitored to ensure that alcohol is only provided to those who are of age, and in moderation. Many of us are also required to sign agreements or take part in online and in-person training about the dangers of alcohol and how to say "no," as well as how to drink responsibly when we are of age.

In short, we treat our fellow brothers and sisters with respect.

We do incredible good for our communities, both at school and at home.

We do well in our classes.

We're unbelievably successful in the post-grad world.

Every day there is a story of a hazing incident, an instance where fraternity men or sorority women on Spring Break caused personal or property damage and the like, but as with everything covered by the media, there are two sides to every story. Our endeavors with philanthropy, campus involvement, and academia are so often gone unnoticed and untold, and we are hung out to dry because of irresponsible journalism.

With very few exceptions, we are not bad people. We also don’t go looking for attention. The Greek community is better than that, and our motivations to do good and too well are largely intrinsic yet the media continues to scrutinize us and search for reasons to crucify us.

To the media: Look beyond the cup. Please write responsibly.