You know, I never saw myself being in a sorority. I thought the whole system was about paying for friends and having an excuse to go to parties. After joining one, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the movies are beyond misleading. I am proud to call myself a sorority woman for reasons that are too numerous to count. Who knew that some letters could mean so much to someone? Here is what I have learned from Greek life and my sorority sisters:

1. You're really not all that and a bag of chips.

A lot of us come out of high school thinking that we are the best thing that ever happened since slice bread. College is a big reality check because it quickly ensures you that you're not. Being in a sorority shows you that even though you might not be all those things you think you are, you have girls who think the world of you. You might be a small fish in a big pond but to them you're as great as the family size bag of Doritos. And that is pretty darn special.

2. Uniqueness is cool and weirdness is accepted.

Being in a sorority teaches you that you don't have to be EVERYTHING. It's okay to be shy and not outgoing, short and not tall, tomboy and not girly. All of these things are accepted because the girls you share your letters with love you just the same. You don't have to look like a Barbie or act like you have it all together because nobody else does either. The girls in a sorority thrive off of each other's differences. strengths, and weaknesses. Sisters teach each other to embrace who they are and own every bit of it. That's why they call it a sisterhood.

3. Confidence is beautiful.

Being in a sorority causes transformations. You come to realize that it really does not matter if other people think you are pretty or smart or funny. What matters is what you think. The Greek system instills a certain confidence that exudes from sorority women. They stand tall and walk proudly because people know which association they belong too. The confidence that is developed through Greek life prepares women for the post-grad world.

4. You can make a difference.

Sororities are always viewed as groups of girls who parts and wear letters on their shirts. What a lot of Hollywood films and anti-sorority people forget to realize/mention is that Greek women are enthusiastic volunteers and raise enormous amounts of money for other organizations. Countless hours are spent and thousands of dollars are raised for others. My organization alone raised over $25,000 for Prevent Child Abuse America during a single philanthropy event. People underestimate the power of sorority women but I ensure you that they have and will continue to make a difference.

5. Leadership doesn't always come with a title.

There are leadership opportunities out the wazoo when you are part of a sorority. Some of the most important ones, in my eyes, are the ones that don't necessarily have a title. The girl who dresses conservatively but still looks beautiful is a leader by demonstrating that you don't have to show more of yourself to feel pretty. The girl who stays up all night studying is a leader by showing determination to achieve excellence. These silent leaders are just as important as the other essential roles within the sorority chapter.

To my girls:

Thank you for the friendships, laughs, and memories that you have given me so far in this journey. I'm well on my way to becoming a confident, unique woman who knows she's not all that and a bag of chips but can still make a difference and lead without saying a word. AOT