You have seen every movie and all the reports on TV. You think you know everything about us and you believe we’re all the same. From what you see I don’t blame you really. The media makes us out to be nothing but a group of people who haze and party way too much. See I don’t blame you for thinking like that, because I used to think the same thing. I never imagined myself joining a sorority, now I can’t imagine my life without it. Sadly, there’s a side to sororities that the media never shows, and it’s the truth. Here’s the truth behind all the stereotypes no one takes the time to look into.

1. "You pay for your friends."

Yes we pay dues, but that doesn't mean we pay for friends. Trust me, trying to learn every detail about everyone in your sorority is difficult and takes time. However, with countless sisterhood events and opportunities for bonding you find out you're surrounded by amazing women. No matter what situation I stumble into there is always a sister I can go to for help. My sorority is my giant support system. So if people think I pay for my friends then okay. But I didn't pay anywhere near enough for how inspiring my sisters are, or how much they have impacted me.

2. "All you do is party."

I'm not going to lie, people go out and have fun. Most college students do. How some people decide to spend their weekend has nothing to do with our sorority truly stands for. Many people are unaware that each sorority has a philanthropy for which they raise money. It's honestly surprising that so little people know this because philanthropies are a huge part of sororities and are usually a deciding factor for potential new members. Whether it's getting pelted with yogurt, hosting male pageants, staying up all night, it's a way a giant group can come together and support a great cause.

3. "Sorority girls are stupid."

If that's that case then you just called Laura Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Katie Couric, and plenty of other intelligent women, stupid. I don't really know why sorority women have the stigma of being unintelligent. There are typically GPA requirements sisters have to obtain and keep. Sisters use each other as tutors, have study tables, and push each other to do their absolute best.

4. "You only care about your sorority."

Just because we pledge to one sorority, it doesn't mean we shut all the other ones out. It's completely normal and okay to be friends with girls in other sororities. Also, there are countless times where sororities join together to help each other with their philanthropy. Moral of the story, we aren't cults and we talk to people outside of our sorority.

5. "You're all the same."

This is where everyone gets it wrong. They think that we all have to look and act the same to be in a certain sorority. Each and every one of us are completely different and unique in our own ways. We're made up of cheerleaders, basketball players, soccer players, choir members, black belts, painters, math majors, and anything in between. This is why I personally love my sorority so much. We are all so different, but come together for the same cause.

Even though there are so many stereotypes and stigmas about sororities, my college life wouldn't be complete without mine. It has helped me grow into the person I am today and has given me a home away from home. If only everyone saw the real side of sororities rather than believing the movies and media.