Breaking The Stereotype

We all face stereotypes. People have always felt the need to put what they don't understand into a category and generalize it. As a sorority woman I deal with being stereotyped on a near daily basis. Some people are generally shocked when they have an intelligent conversation with you and then find out that you are indeed Greek. They say "Oh" or "I would have never had thought someone like you would be in a sorority." So basically you never thought an intelligent, sweet, and pleasant young woman would be in a sorority? It drives me up a wall whenever I hear this. Many people get their perceptions about Greek life based on what they see on TV or hear in the news. Therefore to them we are stupid, all we care about is partying, and we don't have much of a future after college is over. Most Greek members that I know however do not fit in box that the media has placed them in. My sisters are smart, driven, compassionate, and kind. Yes, they also like to go out just like any other college student, but unlike some of their peers they also donate their time to philanthropy organizations, they make high GPA's, they hold positions in our chapter and other organizations. In short they rock. The media won't cover that, however we as Greek women know that we are all amazing individuals who made the best decision for ourselves by joining a sorority. My sorority has made me more successful because my sisters are there to support and occasionally even pick up my slack. My sisters and the Greek community have given me the ability to spread my wings and work to overcome stereotypes society has for us.