Did you know that 40 of 47 Supreme Court Justices were fraternity men? Or that all of the Apollo 11 astronauts were Greek? Or that Greeks raise over $7 million per year and volunteer an average of 850,000 hours annually?

There is a lot of negativity surrounding Greek life due to its portrayal in the media. Many students end up looking down on Greek life and immediately dismissing the notion of joining a fraternity or a sorority. While there is always the possibility of encountering a real-life Greek stereotype, most of us are nothing like the way we are typically portrayed. Being Greek has changed my life for the better.

According to Alan Reifman, Ph.D,Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Texas Tech University., people who go Greek in college tend to be more engaged in school and work, have stronger relationships with their families and friends and are overall more likely to lead happy lives than non-Greeks. Here are a few more reasons why you should be Greek:

An Endless Support System

There hasn’t been a time since I joined my sorority that I have ever felt alone. When you become Greek, you always have a support system or a shoulder to cry on. There will always be someone to go the gym or library with you, or to give you a hug when you’re having a bad day. When you join the Greek community, you join a support system that is so much bigger than yourself, and that in itself is a beautiful thing.

Being Held to a Higher Standard

They say that when you go Greek that you are always wearing your letters. In my opinion, there has never been a truer statement. By joining a fraternity or sorority, you are a walking representation of what it means to be a part of your chapter. This means constantly upholding the standards in which your founders have set for you. By being Greek, you get to be a part of an organization that helps you constantly strive for greatness within it.

Giving Back To Your Community

Greeks contribute a monumental amount of volunteer hours to their communities. Every chapter has a philanthropy, an organization that each chapter strives to raise awareness and money for. Not only do volunteer hours look awesome on a resume, but you will never find a way to feel more self-fulfilled then by giving back to your community.

Realizing Your Potential

My sorority is my confidence. When I went through recruitment, I didn’t think that any house would want me or that I would be good enough. Not only did I get into an amazing chapter, but I have had the chance to better my chapter through leadership opportunities and with the help and support of my sisters. Your brothers or sisters will see the potential in you and help you realize that you can make a difference not only in your chapter but in the world.

Lifelong Friends

They say that when you’re Greek it isn’t just for four years, it’s for life. From my sorority, I have made friends that I know I will stay in touch with for many years after I graduate, and that is something that I will forever be grateful for.

Greek Life Also Poses Challenges

Even though there are many benefits to Greek life, it’s not for everyone. There will be conflict within your chapter, there will be drama, and there will be times when you want to drop everything and be done. Committing to your chapter is a bit like committing to a family. It is a lot of work and it requires time and effort to maintain your relationships.

However, I’ve had these types of struggles before I went Greek, and they were harder to deal with because I had to face them alone. At the end of the day, joining a brotherhood or a sisterhood will create a support system for you. When you have hardships, even within your chapter, there will always be someone to listen and stand by your side. Your bond as brothers or sisters will outlast any type of conflict, and you’ll never have to stand alone.

College is a time when you lay the foundation for your future. It’s a time when you create memories and bonds that will last a lifetime. There is no better way to do that then by going Greek. Not only will you better yourself, but you will better your chapter and your community. Not a bad way to spend four years.