We all know how great Greek life is, but those out of the loop, not so much.

We have all heard those dreadful words at one time or another. We've heard the verbal ignorance pour from their mouths as they further convince themselves they are right. We've stumbled over ourselves as we try to save them from their own blasphemes. And finally, bewildered, we've wondered why they can’t see the truth when you have laid it plainly before them.

This is the unrelenting struggle that all Greeks are troubled with when their non-Greek peers find error with their affiliation and that they are affiliated all together. We battle through heated debates that are doomed to end the same why they began, with the opposition claiming that you pay (dues) for your friends (brothers/sisters).

From an outside looking in point of view, yes, I pay money to an organization that works towards philanthropic goals, that studies have proven produce more capable and successful men and women than non-Greek students, and that has given me more connections to the job market than I can fathom. 

I have not merely gained friends as if they were a product that I found on the shelf of the nearest convenience store. I have amassed hundreds of relationships with people from various organizations (not just the friends I paid for). These are not just the friends that you meet by chance at a bar or in class that you will keep for your college career. These are the people you will love like family and that will be there for you when you are truly in need. 

Even closer, are the brothers or sisters whom you have pledged for and alongside. These are the people who will become a vital part in your life until the end. They will stand beside you on your wedding day, be there when you become a father or mother and console you when tragedy strikes. You have that secret connection that makes them not only a friend, but a force that binds you both to a unique organization that you will cherish to your grave. 

Do not let these people who criticize Greek life for being, "a group of superficial rich kids,” get you down. Use these uneducated insults to take pride in your organization. Those who don’t see Greek life in the light that we do are not ignorant, nor are they to blame for why they see fault in the motives of the Greek community. These people have not experienced the greatness of being part of a fraternity or sorority. Whenever someone gives me the same old, “is it really worth the money just to have more friends?” I’ll just shake my head and tell them that I couldn’t possibly expect them to understand.