Before I came to college, I always told myself that I would never join a sorority. My family and friends have heard me swear up and down that sororities would never be something I wanted to be a part of. I could never picture myself being a part of something that was so looked down upon by the media. You could imagine their surprise when I told them that I received a bid to join a sorority and that I had accepted. I'd jump at the opportunity to go back and talk with my former anti-sorority self and talk about how wrong I was for thinking those things.

Contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to a sorority than the movies portray. It is these reasons, and these reasons alone why I decided to join a sorority.

1. You create a bond with so many wonderful people.

Had it not have been for my sorority, I would have never gotten to know all of the beautiful women I can now call my sisters. I have created lifelong friendships in only a few short months. I now have several shoulders to lean on, and several closets to search through if I ever need to borrow a dress or shoes. Some people look at this as paying for your friends, when it’s completely the opposite. Paying your dues doesn’t include friendships. It’s the same as paying for a gym membership; just because you pay doesn’t mean you’ll magically get the body you wish to have. Just because you pay your dues doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly have friends. You create the friendship because of the bond you share, not because of the money you pay.

2. It gives you the opportunity to help others.

Before I came to college, I had no prior knowledge of what sororities do other than what the movies tell us. Whether it’d be community services days or raising money for other organizations such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House or other organizations, the opportunity to give back is always available.

3. You can truly make a difference in the lives of others.

As a member of a sorority, you are given opportunities to influence others. Not only are you able to give back to others in need, but you can also make a difference in the lives of your sisters. It’s the little things that can truly make someone’s day, whether it’d be a hug on a bad day, or lending a pair of ears to listen, simple gestures can make a difference in the lives of your sisters.

4.You learn more about yourself as a person.

During your time as a pledge, you learn not only about your sorority’s history and its members, you also get to learn about yourself. You’re given time to reflect on yourself; where you want to go in life, who you want to be, and why you want to join the organization in which you’re pledging for. Joining my sorority has helped me not only learn about myself, but it has helped me find myself.

5. You make memories that will last a lifetime.

Bid day, big/little reveal and initiation week will all be days that we will always remember. It’s also the little things like sister dates to get fro-yo, activities to get to know the sisters, and meetings with girls in your pledge class that you will always be able to look back on. College is about not only furthering your education, but making friendship and memories that you will always remember.

Being in a sorority isn’t just about making crafts, wearing letters or going to parties. It’s about not only bettering your life, but the lives of others. Joining a sorority has helped me find who I am and has helped me discover who I want to be. I have gained so many true friendships and fond memories that I’ll be able to look back on once my time in college has ended. Being in a sorority is the complete opposite of every stereotype and negative connotation associated with the word. Being in a sorority is being a part of something bigger than yourself.