I had heard about sororities growing up, and I had heard the horror stories of hazing, and being looked at as superficial for even associating with them. I had so many false preconceptions as to what being in a sorority would be like, that I almost wrote off being in one altogether.

However, I went with my gut, and with the advice of my friend and I went for it. I signed up and joined formal recruitment. It was the best decision I have ever made.

I know you’ve heard from every girl who is a member of an organization that it is so much more than what is appears to be on the outside. I know how annoying it must sound to hear the same things over and over again, but unfortunately, they’re all true.

We do not pay for our friends, we pay for experiences with them. If you join any other club or honor society on campus, you’re going to pay some sort of dues to support the plans you have to help them grow. I don’t see why everyone thinks so different of sororities.

We are Panhellenic women, and we all support a cause that is giving back to so much more than just ourselves. All of the six organizations on campus have a purpose, and it is to give back philanthropically.

We are not all the same, and actually, it is being apart of a diverse group of women that makes being in an organization so amazing. No one of us is exactly alike, but we’re bonded together by something so much more than our likes and dislikes.

No, we are not frat groupies. This one kills me. Yes, we kill their events. Yes, we help raise them money. Not for a party invite, or a social, but because we know Panhellenic women are the only women to get the job done, point blank. We are the best at what we do, and that’s raising money for our causes.

Before dismissing the Panhellenic community, put your perceptions aside and take a chance. There is a reason why it has been around so long and why it has affected so many women for the better.

People join people.