If you watch ABC Family on Monday nights, you’ve probably seen the show Greek. I watch it on a weekly basis, not necessarily for entertainment, but for the shock value of how a major cable channel presents Greek life to America. I won’t talk about how terrible the show is in this column, because I’m not sure I could adequately correct everything that’s wrong in 700 words or less.

Unfortunately, Greek life can be portrayed in a negative light. Just last week, the News and Observer ran a story about a Fraternity at East Carolina University that lost its charter after it was caught distributing alcohol at a party. Even among the student population at N.C. State, Greeks can be an easy target. Two years ago, a Viewpoint columnist penned a column labeling sorority girls as “sororistitutes.” Rarely do you hear about philanthropic events or service projects that Greek students put on, because that is what’s expected from us.

I’m not going to pretend that every stereotype about Greek life is completely false in every sense of the word. Fraternities like to rent out bars and throw parties, and yes, a lot of girls in sororities do like to wear oversized sunglasses. But beyond the trite stereotypes you’ll find an engaged and active community of students that year after year fills the ranks of student leaders and scholars. Greek students are active in Student Government; they’re Park Scholars, college ambassadors and for the most part are engaged students in the classroom. Last year’s Student Body President, Student Senate President, Senior Class President and many members of the Student Senate were members of Greek organizations. This is an exciting time at N.C. State for the Greek system. The school is gearing up to build an entirely new Greek Village, finally replacing the brick boxes that have characterized Greek Court for a long time. A new sorority is colonizing this year as well as a handful of fraternities. N.C. State is beginning to show support for a system that has given tremendous amounts back to the school for decades.

If the only exposure you have to Greek Life comes from the show Greek, or if your only opinion about Greek life is some negative stereotype, I challenge you to look a little bit harder. I won’t pretend the system is perfect, and anyone will always be able to find anecdotal evidence that reinforces some stereotype to fit an argument, but the Greek system as a whole is alive and well. Greek life produces responsible citizens who take the values of their individual organization out into the world and do good things with their skills. Greeks give back to this school, Lonnie Poole who recently gave a tremendous sum to sponsor the golf course at Centennial Campus was a Pi Kappa Phi brother here at N.C. State. Greeks come into the system from all walks of life and leave this school with something more than just a degree; they leave with a sense of community and another strong tie that brings them back to the school year after year.

So here is my challenge, if you’re a freshman, look into rushing a fraternity or sorority. I’m a third-generation Greek student at N.C. State, and I’ve seen the value of the lifetime bonds my parents and grandparents have developed over the years. With over 40 Greek organizations you’re bound to find one that fits you personally, it’s just a matter of finding that right niche. If you choose not to rush, or you’re older and feel its past your time for rushing and pledging, please do not judge a Greek student because of an inaccurate stereotype. Instead, look at the Greek system for what it is: a community of students that have chosen to join a group of organizations that will help build their character and provide us with the opportunity to develop friends that will last a lifetime.

What are your thoughts about N.C. State Greeks? Send your comments to [email protected].