This past semester, I chose to join a Greek organization, and it has given me some of the best experiences and friends I could ever have imagined. Not only has it gotten me more involved on campus, but I have also met some incredible people in and out of Greek life because of my involvement.

Recently, though, I have come to see just how certain people view, or rather perceive, my experience in Greek life. They think I pay for my friends. They think I waste my time and money partying 24/7. They even think I have become less “myself” because I joined a sorority.

Despite all of this being one hundred percent false, people who are not involved in Greek Life continue to push these false stereotypes on sororities and fraternities.

Normally, I don’t let others’ opinions get to me. However, when people bash Greek Life and then expect it to benefit them, I have a problem.

Two people, who I am supposed to consider superiors, insisted that because I am in a sorority, I should be utilizing my recruitment skills to get more people to join the group we are in.

These people have expressed their dislike for Greek Life before, so I really just did not understand how they had the gall to ask me and other members of Greek organizations to assist them, utilizing skills that Greek Life has given me.

Seriously? You want to stereotype Greek Life and pretty much sh*t on it every time it’s mentioned, but then ask me to use the skills I gained from it to help you? You’re kidding.

You do not have to agree with Greek Life. Hell, you don’t even have to keep your hatred a secret, but do not expect to benefit from it when all you do is bash it.

I made my decision to join an organization, just like you made yours to not. So, don't try and bash my decisions when you clearly value some of the skills I gain from them.

My experience in my sorority is entirely my own and will not fit your stereotypes, no matter how hard you try to push it into a little box. Sororities everywhere strive daily to push ourselves to be better.

We strive to change your stereotypes across the nation. We work our tail-ends off to better our communities through work with our philanthropies and our surrounding communities.

We are not forced into a Greek organization, just like you were not, yet we choose to be in one because it benefits us in so many unimaginable ways. So, when you make your distaste for Greek Life known, and write about it, do not ask your subordinates to use their skills to benefit you.

We are perfectly happy being in a Greek community, despite you feeling the need to bash us for choosing to do so.