The best way to be involved in a school organization, obtain leadership qualities and make friends that will last a lifetime while keeping your grades up is to go Greek.

Before you start thinking of the all of the negative stereotypes that go along with fraternities and sororities, keep an open mind. Remember that sorority life is not what you see in movies such as Legally Blonde and not all fraternity men are like the ones in Animal House.

These movies tend to create a different view of what Greek life is really about.

Let’s start with the basics. There are many different types of Greek life to fit your standards, such as social, business, multicultural and the community service-based organizations.

Going Greek is a good way to lay the foundation of a healthy social life. Social sororities or fraternities frequently have events that encourage interaction with other Greek social houses.

Not all Greek organizations focus primarily on the social aspect though. The service sororities, such as Sigma Lambda Sigma, have higher academic standards and focus mostly on community service and almost all of the sororities and fraternities have chapter and national philanthropy events.

For example, Alpha Sigma Alpha’s chapter puts on a dance competition called “Do it to the Crowd” while also taking part in national philanthropies, such as the Special Olympics and raising funds for the S. June Smith Center, which supports children with developmental needs through education, therapeutic services, and family-centered programming.

Even the fraternities have events like Pi Kappa Alpha‘s “Tugs” competition, which raises money for the fight against breast cancer.

With Greek life, you are constantly involved in events that make a difference in people’s lives and the community service aspect allows you to become a more productive member of society.

Not only does joining a fraternity or sorority help others, but it can also have a profound impact on helping you grow as an individual.

“Going Greek gives someone a support system that can help build someone socially, physically, spiritually and intellectually,” said Katie Lutz, Alpha Sigma Alpha member and senior early childhood education major. “You are less likely to drop out of school and [grades] are better because Greek organizations require a certain GPA.”

Also, joining these organizations is a good way to network and stay connected to the campus community.

“Being a part of any social organization, especially a big fraternity on campus can provide networking with alumni, who are the ones that hold the big jobs in the real world,” said Jonathan Hutchison, Pi Kappa Alpha treasurer and sophomore business marketing major. “Being a part of a Greek organization has given me more opportunities to join intramural sport teams and be a part of competitive sporting.”

Sororities and fraternities are more than just ways to partake in social events; they benefit communities, individuals, and hold meanings unique to each and every chapter.

We Greeks change lives. So instead of not joining any organization for the four years you are here, go Greek and change not only yourself, but the world around you.

Any Greek life you choose, whether it is social, business, multicultural or community service, is a great choice to make that will forever change your life.