There is one thing that irritates me more than anything. It's when people say "Oh, you are a frat boy" or "You don't look like you are in a frat." These phrases are both detrimental and create a stigma that all fraternity men have to live by. I will give you this: I am not the stereotypical fraternity man. I understand this, but that doesn't mean that I do not belong in my fraternity. I joined Delta Chi when I was a junior, and trust me, it was one of the best decisions of my college career. It is more than just partying; it's a group that cares and protects each other.

Now, before my fraternity, I never really valued male friendship. Not that I hated men, but I just tended to not get along with them (with a few exceptions). So, when I saw Greek week, I started to get curious about Greek life, and that is when I found Delta Chi. These guys accepted me and are now the people I see on a daily basis. I learned to value having a male friend and learned that I now have a support system. I do not have to act like a stereotype to feel this kind of bond. My fraternity allows me to have these bonds regardless.

Now to defend myself against the "party" stereotype: don't think that Greek life members party any more than anyone else in a college setting, that would just be silly. Plus, my fraternity raises money for cancer research, which is something amazing. Also, we help other Greek life organizations in their philanthropies. Not to mention that Greek life members do community service hours, and some even are involved in other organizations around campus. So it isn't just about the parties and all that, it is about making a difference. Fraternity men know what it is like to make a difference, since we help to change the world.

We are fraternity men, we aren't frat boys, and we are not party animals. Each fraternity is founded on similar principles, which is to be a leader and a gentleman. So next time you see a man wearing letters, do not just see them as a frat boy, see them as fraternity men!