We're not all Barbies and robots. We are real people. I am a sorority woman.

As a freshman, I joined a sorority not knowing much about what it would really be like. I knew that sorority women were leaders on campus and real women. However, I also knew that, from the outside looking in, sororities appear to be fake and superficial. Chants and songs are intimidating, joining a group of women who are already friends can be scary and the entire recruitment process is overwhelming.

Fortunately, my feelings of fear faded away soon after accepting my bid from Zeta Tau Alpha at the University of Iowa. From the beginning of joining ZTA, I knew I was home. The women around me were motivated, successful leaders. Not only were my new sorority sisters involved on campus, but they were also smart. I soon learned that the average sorority GPA is higher than the non-Greek average GPA on most campuses, including ours at Iowa.

Moreover, I became proud to be part of an organization in which individuality is encouraged and appreciated. While we all unite around our mutual love of each other and our organization, we are not clones of one another. Contrary to popular belief, we look different, act different, and have different hobbies and interests. As the saying goes, “individually unique but together complete.”

Just a few days ago, when I walked into the chapter house after a summer apart from my sisters, I was greeted with warm welcomes, hugs and "I missed yous.” In that moment, I realized what I love about being in a sorority. I felt a genuine connection to the people around me and realized I will always have a place on campus where I belong. Sure, there are other benefits of being a sorority, but to me, nothing is more important than cultivating friendships that will last a lifetime.

I am not a sorority woman for the social connections, apparel, parties or fraternity men. I am in a sorority for other reasons. I am there to surround myself with other motivated women, gain leadership experience, create life-long friends, give back to my community, learn more about myself, and feel constant encouragement from my sisters.

I am not a Barbie or a robot. I am a real person. I am a sorority woman.