Otherwise known as “going Greek.”
Long story short: I went Greek this past semester at my College.

A little less than a year ago, it was a decision I never thought I would make. In fact, during my college search, I purposely avoided schools that had Greek Life. My high school best friend and I laughed at sororities and fraternities because of the stigma the media placed on them. Yet, here I am with three weeks of my freshman year left, and I've got my Greek letters and colors exploding on my body and my dorm-- leaving a trail of glitter wherever I go.

So, why do I pay for these friends? It's for the social benefits, right? Undoubtedly, if I'm paying for them, they must be a pretty decent group of people (spoiler: they are).

1. Values

Each Greek Organization generally upholds one common theme: making the world a better place. However, each one also holds its unique morals to its name.

I was drawn to my sorority because of its virtues. I guide much of my life based on the words that act as a foundation for our organization. It's been exciting to meet so many amazing people from such diverse backgrounds that believe in the same things I do.

Even if we have different majors, interests, religions, political beliefs, fashion choices, we all believe in the same virtues. And that's fantastic.

2. Memories

Because I obviously can’t make friendships on my own.

Some of my most fantastic memories of my college have come from the experiences I’ve shared with my sorority. Whether it’s something as casual as singing the Lazy Town You Tube hit “We’re Number One” in our chapter room late at night, or a more serious affair, such as initiation, I hold these special moments close in my heart.

3. Philanthropy

Surprise: sororities are comprised of humans. Humans with feelings, and empathy. We're not all about us! Greek life works towards making the world a better place.

To do this, we happen to include donating our time, money, and energy into helping certain causes and other organizations blossom. We support the goodwill of humanity.

4. Sisterhood

AKA, love.

It’s the love of my fellow sisters that brought me to my Greek organization. It’s not because they promised me anything or bought me nice gifts. It’s the genuine warmth and kindness of others that make Greek Life something special—because you can’t have significant friendships without paying a price, right?

Wrong. You can’t put a price on love, and Greek Life sure doesn’t.

Next time you see a group of sorority girls parading around campus with face paint and blasting music during Greek Week, or just wearing their letters around the Quad, know that these aren’t girls who are paying to be a part of a big social clique.

These are the girls who want to be a part of something beautiful, loving, and meaningful. We’re not just a group of girls who are inept at creating lasting friendships (heck, many of my closest friends on campus aren’t even Greek).
We’re the girls who hold a set of values close to our hearts, and we want nothing more than to uphold our values by strengthening bonds with others. Our dues do not signify mere opportunities to climb the social ladder; dues are the last thing to think of when remembering all the wonderful work a Greek Organization does.

It’s the love and embrace of our virtues that makes us Greek. Not a love of popularity.