Ever since joining a sorority, I have noticed how often people immediately stereotype who I am. They might say that I’m such an “ASU girl,” and obviously I have no idea what that means. I’m not sure anyone does. I think that often times, people in Greek life are often thought to be not very smart and obsessed with themselves and partying. That is just so untrue. Fraternities and sororities participate in community service and philanthropies that focus on issues such as domestic violence, which is Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy. However, it is not just the sororities that are stereotyped. In fact, fraternities seem to be stereotyped even more.

Every time I have mentioned anything about fraternities, someone has something negative to say. Some of those comments have been date rape jokes, the fact that I should expect all fraternity boys to be tools because they’re in a fraternity and that they’re all in a fraternity just for the girls and the parties. I understand that maybe some of them are in it for those reasons, but that is not all Greek life is. For example, the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi at ASU has a philanthropy called the Ability Experience and it serves to raise awareness for people with disabilities. I have been following the boys’ journey because I think it is such a great example of how the stereotypes placed on Greek life are so false.

People in Greek life work together and we learn great communication skills and how to get along with all different types of personalities. Joining my sorority has given me so much confidence and so many opportunities I would not have had otherwise. The media and a lingering a reputation that ASU is a party school have given Greek life a bad name, but as a member, I can tell you that is so the opposite of who we all are. Yes, there are fraternity parties, yes there have been negative incidents involving fraternities, and yes, all young people make mistakes. It is not just people in Greek life. It is not just some pathway to parties and tons of friends, it is a family and a chance to grow as a person and make a difference.