Originally Posted by sigmadiva (Post 1892072)

True. :)



For me it is. I came in pre-MIP and had to adjust to MIP. So for me, I'm used to dealing with the 'awkward aspirant' because I don't think it is that unusual or shocking. I also came in as an undergrad, so it was very normal for people to just walk up to you and talk to you about joining.

So, from my perspective I think Sen just over-reacted.

Originally Posted by DrPhil (Post 1892075)

I came in as a collegiate post-MIP and I also am used to dealing with the "awkward aspirant" because it isn't unusual or shocking. :) However, I know what "awkward aspirant" meant to me back then (partially because I was an awkward aspirant at times) and what it means to me as an alum.

So, there clearly isn't a universal "awkward aspirant" definition or experience. :) I'd be interested to read your "awkward aspirant" experience based on what "awkward aspirant" means to you, sigmadiva. :)

Originally Posted by sigmadiva (Post 1892016)

And, it is still up to the individual member to talk to the aspirant. If you (the general you and you, MexicanMami0286) don't want to entertain the questions, then don't. Just politely refer that person to the chapter / IHQ website and /or the Membership Chair of your chapter. You don't have to have a whole dialog with these people.

Also, if people know that you are a member, then they will approach you, no matter when. You don't want to be bothered at certain times, but they don't know that if they don't really know you. If anything, I would think that it would be a bit flattering when people run you down to ask questions. They see something in you that they want to be like.

Originally Posted by MexicanMami0286 (Post 1892193)

Understood. Flattering or not, I still will hold that people should adhere to the principles of common sense, professionalism, and common courtesy.

Politely asking, "Is this a good time to talk?" is never a bad idea. And I know I don't have the entertain the questions, but it's not about the questions. It's about the circumstances surrounding the questions.

Originally Posted by sigmadiva (Post 1892082)

I think people venture into being an awkward aspirant when they are sooo desperate they'll do *anything* to become a member.

I was told this, so I don't know how true this is, but....I was told about a young lady who attended my undergrad university (Texas A&M) and she wanted to join DST soooo bad. So, she ends up at some house party hosted by a DST, and to show her willingness to want to be a DST, she went back into the DST's kitchen and started washing her dishes. The lady of the house, the DST member, asked what she was doing and why she was doing that. The girl just said she was trying to help.

Now, if that is true, that is awkward. Just asking somebody at work is not awkward. Unless I guess, they are asking you jumping up and down with big puppy-dog eyes, drooling at the mouth. :p

Oh, I think the person who told me this wanted to know if I knew the desperate young lady since I went to A&M. I told them I didn't.

Originally Posted by IlovemyAKA (Post 1893999)

I've even had one go so far as to call me to ask if she had messed herself up because she didn't speak to a member at Wal-Mart. Some people lose themselves in their pursuit.