Most people hear the word "Sorority" and one of two things come to their mind- they either think of some entitled, snobby and rich party girl (wrong as can be) or they think cult. Both of these are so far from the truth. The one that annoys me the most is hearing that I joined a cult. That the amazing organization that I joined is some weird cult. Greek life is nothing near cult-like.

Each Greek organization is different and unique, it's absolutely amazing. Joining my sorority was one of the best choices I could've made. It shapes you into a better person. You gain a family and an entire chapter of friends to fall back on. You not only gain your chapter as a family but the other Greek organizations on your campus. Greek life students stick together, you get to know other people in other organizations. You all look out for each other, and help each other when needed.

Yes, each organization has its own traditions and rituals. They're sacred to us, they make us different from each other. They're what make us, us. These rituals have been going on for years, they're the foundation of our chapters. Yes, only people in our organization know and understand these rituals. No, we can't talk about them and we won't talk about them. They bring us together and bind us together as a sisterhood or brotherhood. There is nothing cult-like about having traditions and rituals, that's just how we are.

All of this aside, we aren't forced to join, there is literally no hazing or harassing. We are literally here to help each other. I love my sisters and I can honestly 100% say I have never once seen any of them haze or hurt another girl. There's no ridiculous task or embarrassing task to get in. You just need to find your chapter and get to know your girls. All you need to do is pay attention. There is no specific look you need to get in. Our organizations are extremely diverse and I love it.

Not only do we not haze, but we are extremely active on and around campus. Just because we have rituals does not make us cult-like. We go above and beyond to volunteer and help our philanthropy organizations every single chance we get. I know for my sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, we love helping out kids in need every chance we can. We take it very seriously. That is a huge part of Greek Life, the philanthropic aspect. Each organization works hard to help their philanthropy organizations, and each organization has different ones and different values.

Our chapter is our home and we will always gush about it. Greek life is not for everyone but it is something you have to experience to understand and it is an amazing feeling. From throwing what we know to helping out whenever we can, we do it and wear our letters proudly. Joining Phi Sig was the best choice I could've made. It challenges you to be a better person, it helps you grow and be a better person. So next time you think about telling a Greek that they joined a cult, think twice about it because we tend to get extremely offended by it. My home is not and never will be a cult. e will always wear our letters with pride. Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, Always a Phi Sigma Sigma.