So according to Taylor Swift, “It’s your freshman year and you’re going to be here for the next four years”. Probably more because who really graduates college in four years. So why not join an organization and get involved on your campus? Greek Life. The stigma on members involved in Greek Life is usually either the party life or the slutty sorority girl. You don’t hear about the good, only the bad. Some people think Greek Life across the nation is just like what we see in the movies. I am so tired of people asking me, “Why would you waste your money by buying your friends?” Girls outside of Greek organizations always annoyingly ask the question because of the stigma on Greek life, but there is so much more to it than just paying your dues and partying. This is my experience.

I go to The University of Michigan-Dearborn, which is mainly a commuter campus, so Go Blue. Coming from a small Catholic school with about 500 kids, I wasn’t really sure what to expect even going in to college because hey, I was back at the bottom of the totem pole. At this point in my life, I was done playing sports because I wanted to focus more on school and also I felt like that chapter in my life was done, but I didn’t just want to drive to school, go to my classes, and then come home. Like really, how boring would life have been doing the same routine for the rest of my college career. Greek life has always been an interest to me, but I have never been really sure if I was “cut out” for the role. I always imagined sorority girls as the popular girls on campus who partied all of the time, but was I wrong. Greek life to me, at the time, was wanting to have the opportunity to go out and meeting new people and experiencing new things. At the time, I didn’t know anyone on campus since my friends all went away to college, which for a girl that went to small Catholic schools all of her life was a huge change.

It was a Wednesday night and coincidentally, I asked my old pen pal from the 6th grade who goes to U of M-Dearborn to go to this info night with me. Of course beforehand I creepily saw her on campus one day before this and decided to slide into her DM’s. Talking to her, I mentioned going to the Greek Info Night that was going to happen that night so she agreed to come with me. Now this was the first time we actually hung out so when I was picking her up it was a little awkward at first. As we were riding to school, Melanie, my old pen pal, asked me, “So are we going to learn the Greek alphabet?” To be honest, I wasn't expecting her to say that so I laughed at the thought of that happening. I then explained to her that it was for sororities and we laughed the whole way there. At that moment, I had no idea how much this girl, as well as others, would change my life and become such a huge impact.

While being in the room for the Greek Information Night, it was so immensely nerve-racking at first for two new freshman going to a new school. We discovered one table, the Phi Mu table, and we all immediately clicked. The president and membership director explained to us some of the things they did being in Greek Life such as philanthropy and all of the events they put on which was the type of home away from home feeling I was looking for. At this point, I already knew what chapter I wanted to be a part of just because talking to these two inspiring women made me feel at home.

The week after the info night was recruitment. Just the very thought of recruitment was so scary, but exciting. This was the most nerve racking thing and there were 5 whole days of it. Going into each round I always felt the most comfortable in my chapter, Phi Mu, but I was always interesting learning about what the other chapters did and the types of events they did. After an exhausted and long week, it was finally Saturday. This was the day we had preference and bid day. The night before I could barely sleep because why would these girls like me? I seemed so average and they seemed beyond perfect. Going through the preference ceremony, I felt so comfortable and at home in the Phi Mu room that I knew I belonged. Haleigh, my now great grand big, talked to me during that round. During that time I was so excited I just wanted to accept my bid already, so an hour or so passed and I was ready to run home. Ready to announce the sorority I was joining, I said “Phi Moo” instead of “Phi Mu” but that didn't matter because at that point I was swarmed by some of the most amazing women that I have met till this day.

Now let’s fast forward two years. I am now proud to say that Greek life has changed my life for the better. I found my perfect family consisting of my Big Sister Gabby, my Little Sister Rachel, and my twin Angelina. I have received lifelong friendships and even as corny as this sounds, my future bridesmaids. Joining Greek Life introduced me to philanthropy such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Phi Mu Foundation, Special Olympics, and Circle of Sisterhood. Leadership roles have impacted me in positive ways. For example, I have been Academic Excellence Chair where I kept track of study hours for every girl in the chapter. Moving on from that position, I received Social and Risk Management Chair on our Executive Board. Planning events such as mixers, formals, and semi-formals have been such great work experiences and have also given me experience for my major. Being involved in Greek life has also opened up my networking to where I have applied for jobs and scholarships.

I am a proud member of Greek life and I have been for the past two years. So why the stigma? Greek life is a great opportunity and I encourage you to go through the recruitment process. Whether the campus is a commuter or major university, get involved. Even if your calling isn't in Greek Life, I still encourage you to get involved and try something new. So go out to your college organizations no matter the college status and enjoy the next 4 (probably more) years of college.