Photos from bid day are all over Facebook and Instagram, and T-shirts with letters can be seen everywhere on campus. People claim, “I already love my sisters so much!” and then get made fun of because after all, they have only known these girls for a couple of days. Sorority women constantly receive criticism for being stereotypical. While the previous quote may seem silly, it really does end up being true. Over time, you do end up “loving your sisters so much” because of way too many reasons to count. College is an overwhelming time, and your chapter can be your home away from home.

There is a reason why you joined the sorority you are currently in. No, we do not “pay for our friends,” but instead allow ourselves to be part of an organization with women similar to ourselves. While you may not be best friends with every girl in the chapter, you should be able to have a decent conversation with all of the members. These girls see you looking your best at formal, but also sporting the homeless look while crafting for your future little. I joined my chapter because I felt like I can truly be myself. I needed a place like that in college.

Everyone wants to feel like they are a part of something. Before I joined my sorority, I felt as if I were floating among campus with no real purpose. Greek life is not just mingling with frat boys and having somebody to get your nails done with. We actually raise a great amount of money for many different philanthropies all over the country. Each chapter puts on fundraisers in unique ways for their specific organization. The best part about being Greek is that we are inclusive, and you can make a difference by going to other sororities’ philanthropy events as well.

I know there are people in Greek life who complain about it, but honestly, you get out what you put in. It is up to you to be involved and to attend events that are not mandatory. That is the best way to make friends and form relationships with women that could potentially last a lifetime. At my university, I am lucky to have a group that I can count on to always be there for me. From sisterhood to philanthropy events, I know my sorority is more than the stereotype.