Parties, drinking, hazing, and girls in poofy dresses are just some of the stereotypes people think about sororities. Shows like Sorority Life on MTV have a tendency to show the negative side of Greek life but I want to set the record straight.

There is so much more to sororities than they get credit for. All of the sororities on campus hold charitable events, do fundraisers, and have high academic standards.

My sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, for example does philanthropies for several organizations including the American Heart Association and the Lupus Foundation. We have socials with all the fraternities, and raise money for dues and other costs.

Not to mention that being a part of Greek life makes it much easier to meet people and get involved on campus in general. You can find something to do, Greek related or not, any day of the week simply by being involved with a sorority or fraternity.

Now I’m not your typical Kumbaya kind of girl but there is something to this whole sisterhood thing. I know that some people think that we’re paying for our friends but in all honesty, using a quote from another member of Theta Phi Alpha, “If being in a sorority is paying for your friends, it’s the best investment I’ve ever made.”

I know that if I need help or just someone to talk to I can pick up the phone and call anyone of my sisters and they will be there for me. Also, there are chapters of Theta Phi Alpha and the other sororities on campus all over the United States. There’s a feeling of comfort in the fact that you can go almost anywhere in the country and be welcome by your sisters.

Most of the sororities at FAU were established in the early 1900’s by women who wanted to make something of themselves. Today members still hold the rituals and values of the original founding sisters, continuing the traditions for generations.

So next time you’re walking down the breezeway and see a girl with letters on her shirt, don’t make the typical judgments and respect her sorority!