I joined a sorority my freshman year of college. With almost being done with my first year, I can say that joining this chapter has been one of the best decisions I have made. It has given me so much in such a short period of time and I couldn't be more grateful and excited to see what the future holds for me within my sorority.

Joining a sorority was something that caught my attention because I had been hearing that Greek life isn't what you see in the movies. It is so far from different, in a much-improved way. I believe this to be 100 percent true to its word. Many movies and television shows put an emphasis on partying, sex and paying for your friends. This is not what it is about at all...yes, there are parties but nothing like you see in the movies. Plus, if you are out with your sisters, you know that one of them will always have your back. Greek life has shown me what it means to be a community and to support everyone around you, as well as organizations in our town.

By being a part of Greek life, I have gained a new outlook on volunteering. Rather than it being a 'chore' or just making sure to complete so many hours, I really enjoy it. I have found a new passion and I love to see that helping people can make such a difference in their lives as well as others. I think that giving back to anyone, anywhere is an amazing opportunity and experience.

Since meeting all the wonderful girls in my chapter, I have met my best friends, future roommates and study buddies. These girls are all incredible in their own ways and I couldn't have asked for a better support system while going through college and life in general. These are friends that will stay with me throughout the years to come and that I could see being in my wedding someday. I don't pay for my friends like the stereotype says; I pay to be part of an amazing organization that changes the way I live my life.The friends I make from it are an extra bonus.

From volunteering to friendships to sisterhood to leadership, I have gained new experiences and life lessons that I will carry with me throughout the years. I think that every girl who is in a sorority can tell you the same thing. For better or worse you are a Greek for life, it isn't a temporary thing unless that is how you feel about it and what you put into it, you definitely get out of it. Take a chance and don't judge every organization so harshly, even if that is what the stereotypes say. We all deserve the opportunity to make our own assumptions and to learn about new things. This is your chance to get involved and your life to do something with it, maybe it will be joining Greek life. I promise you it will make you prioritize the most important things.