I am a Greek. I don’t go to class and I never study. I spend my days at The Coug or Valhalla devising elaborate schemes to swipe history and biology tests for my house’s files. I spend nights partying and afternoons at sororities. I have an average GPA and I never buy books. I strut, I hoot, I talk and I act like a true member. I am the epitome of all things Greek.

As a result of pop culture and entertainment, this is how the media portrays Greeks. In motion pictures such as “Animal House,” “Old School” and “The House Bunny,” Hollywood has clearly fallen in love with the image of fraternity and sorority members as irresponsible, immature and immoral. But this is not true.

It’s amazing that people keep getting fooled by these stereotypes even while Greeks try to uphold our lesser publicized ideals, community service and leadership. Non-Greeks rarely realize that we as a community contribute more than just social events, popped collars and plaid shorts.

Looking at statistics, the WSU Pullman campus has 19,360 students, about 10 percent of whom are registered Greeks. Greeks hold a combined GPA of 3.0, pretty close to the campus average of 3.02. A .02 difference is insignificant and immediately squashes the stereotype that Greeks don’t study or maintain high GPAs. Most members are required to attend study tables and are encouraged to talk to advisers and professors outside of class to gain insight or knowledge that will help them succeed.

Most Greek alumni return to Pullman at some point and give back to the WSU community. These alumni build successful and rewarding lives after Pullman, but they still find time to venture back to the Palouse to visit old friends, make new ones and of course, attend home games.

Being Greek provides lots of leadership opportunities. Alpha Phi President Chelsea Steed said being in a sorority has changed her. “My experience as a leader in the Greek community has taught me life skills I can’t imagine learning elsewhere. It has tested my abilities and will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable learning experience as I enter the workforce,” she said.

In keeping with the Greek tradition of community leadership, we see many Greek members serving on ASWSU. I came to WSU in 2004, and every year since we have had a Greek serving as president or vice president. Currently, there are 18 seats on ASWSU Senate, eight of which are filled with Greeks.

Even though some find Greek life isn’t for them, Greeks make up the largest combined student organization on any campus. As a result, they are easily identified and make immediate headlines when caught for hazing or toga parties. But Greeks are hardly recognized when it comes to cleaning sidewalks, hosting banquets or simply helping out on campus. Take the time to get to know people before forming stereotypes about them and their choices.