amycat, I agree totally on that one!:)

pinkyphimu! Yea for you!

How many times have Collegieat people join a Greek Org. cause that is the thing to do? How many Graduate from College and you never hear from them again?

Ripleys beleive it or not!:mad:

I was initiated into LXA in 1966, and I am still a member of LXA and will always be, or I damn sure would not be doing what I am doing with My International, My Local Chapter, Or be on GC!

We all have the Love our Organizations or We would not be here, or trying to join as A I members.

It is amazing, that the A I Members have to work twice as hard to become members! But, who does a lot more and stays more active than A I membrs?

Do they pay less as Members of ABC? Heck, I do not pay My Internationsl a Nickle!

I donate to them. Do I pay local Alum dues! No! We are all doing this out of our own pockets and having a heck of a great time just

being with Brothers!

Ah well, the sun always rises in the East doesnt it?:D

ROFL!!!
 

Is this a "real" post or is someone joking around?!?!?!?!?

It's probably a joke, but on the off chance it is meant to be taken seriously I have to respond :)

To me, people can see it as an "easy in" if they don't join while in college and they'll in turn pay much cheaper dues. Also, I just don't see it as fair to people like myself that had to go through Recruitment 2 times to get into a sorority.
When I went through formal rush, all I had to do was sit there, act interested and look cute. It wasn't exactly a difficult situation. AI candidates have to sell themselves to the sorority, not the other way around.

I mean, I have to work a job, maintain 15 to 17 hours worth of school, volunteer and do things with my sorority. Whereas someone that's an alumnae, they will just deal with a possible career and a possible family.
Yep, I'm sure women who are juggling a career and a family have SO much extra time :rolleyes:

Oh, and one more thing...

As far as missing out on "bonding" with other members of a sorority if one doesn't attend college with them goes, that doesn't make any sense to me. There is only one other member from my chapter in the alumnae chapter I belong to (and she graduated several years after me so I didn't know her back then), but I don't feel any less of a bond with my sisters because they didn't go to my college.

If anything, it makes things like Founders Day even more special because it's gratifying (to me, at least) to go through a ceremony I learned at a different time and a different place than the other sisters and see that we all learned the same thing.

I am sure they have more time than I do. My mother did.

#1: I am not going to have a family simply because the job I will get will not be suitable for a family. I am joining the CIA after I graduate from graduate school.

#2: As for the mortgage, most people that have one have jobs that pay much more than mine does and they work the same amount of hours as I do but don't have to go to school.

#3: As much as school was very much of a choice for me as it was a necessity, it is a CHOICE to have a family. People do NOT have to get married and/or have kids.

#4: No, shockingly, I will not be joining an alumnae group BECAUSE OF MY JOB for heaven's sake.

#5: Most people don't have as many things going on in their lives as much as a college student does. They have a family and maybe a job. WOO HOO! Wish I only had 2 things that stressed me out on a daily basis. The other things that stress people out are self-imposed.

#6: I have to have a job (to pay for school stuff), I have to go to school because it surprisingly enough isn't the 1950s anymore where the woman is severely opressed by her man, and yes, I chose the sorority stuff because I wanted to have a life outside the work and school realms.

#7: My parents pay for tuition so loans from my college will not be seeking payments for that. I have to pay for everything else (i.e. car insurance and gas, textbooks, sorority bills, apartment, etc.).

Also, if you want to discuss this further, you can PM me but this is getting ridiculous because all I did was state my opinion and everyone got their panties in a wad.

scpiano-- Good Luck w the CIA, that is very impressive.

I must speak to #5. When I was still in school and just out of school I would have thought the same as what you've posted... but as you get older, the responsibilities mount.

I am not married and I do not have any children-- tho I expect both will happen in the next few years.

I work full time, which, requires more than 40 hours a week. I also take two classes to further my writing career. Fit in working out, laundry, grocery shopping, friends, boyfriend, family-- and my daily post today in my journal is all about me whining about how I need more time.

I worked in college too and juggled the same things you have siad you are. It is stressful, but it is MORE stressful once you're out. Married or not. Actually, single is more so in many ways, because you are soley responsible for the rent/mortgage, car, etc.

I am not flaming you. You've not yet lived it, so you cannot know what lies ahead. I wish you the best of luck.

I have lived extensively because I haven't had the easiest of a life but that's a whole different story that's just not worth getting into. I have had a lot on my plate for a long, long time and hate it when people tell me that I haven't lived yet and don't know what lies ahead of me.

The best thing is that I have survived and am proud to say I am a survivor.

I relish in the fact that I will be the sole person taking on the responsibility of "the real world." As I see it and after all I have been through, I see the things I will be facing as a breeze. I have enough money saved in the bank to pay a hefty down payment on a house and I am only 22. Yes, I will have to make more payments but not many (thank you Lord!) My parents are buying me a new car because the one I have now is really bad. I will have the insurance and taxes to pay on it because my parents are paying it all off as a reward for being the very first person in my family to graduate from college. :D I probably won't have to have a house payment because the CIA will pay for my living quarters and bills associated with it so that money I have in the bank will just be sitting earning a good bit of interest.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by scpiano211

#1: I am not going to have a family simply because the job I will get will not be suitable for a family. I am joining the CIA after I graduate from graduate school.

#4: No, shockingly, I will not be joining an alumnae group BECAUSE OF MY JOB for heaven's sake.

Um, as someone who grew up in the DC area and has relatives in many of the agencies down there, I can tell you that being in the CIA doesn't mean that you don't get a life. :)

I mean, most people who participate in alumnae groups do so once or twice a month from September through May. It isn't a once-a-month thing. I believe that since you're in college, you *don't* *know* what the real world is like.

I mean, duh, we've all been there. Even if we weren't in sororities in school, most of us were in some collegiate organizations and balancing work, school, and activities.

I was in a local, and they went national, so I was able to affiliate with ADPi. I haven't been active in any of the three local alum groups for the past two years because I've been working and going to grad school. And, this year, singing in my church choir. I don't have kids yet, because I'm busy enough as it is!

#5: Most people don't have as many things going on in their lives as much as a college student does. They have a family and maybe a job. WOO HOO! Wish I only had 2 things that stressed me out on a daily basis. The other things that stress people out are self-imposed.

I hate to tell you this, but if you have any sort of a life, you will have a lot going on! You won't have the stress of grades, but you will have the stress of having to stay late at jobs during big projects, or the stress of friends having an argument, or the stress of leading some organization or another, whether it's a church group or book club or whatever. Or the stress of losing a job, or not making enough to cover your rent or mortgage payment.

Heck, some people join AI because they *like* being busy! They like both being able to help the community, get to know a group of like-minded people, and help out collegians in the process.

#6: I have to have a job (to pay for school stuff), I have to go to school because it surprisingly enough isn't the 1950s anymore where the woman is severely opressed by her man, and yes, I chose the sorority stuff because I wanted to have a life outside the work and school realms.

Which is the same reason that some people go AI-- they want to have that same life outside of work and family.

Also, if you want to discuss this further, you can PM me but this is getting ridiculous because all I did was state my opinion and everyone got their panties in a wad.

All you did was insult a bunch of people. :) There are ways to state your opinion *nicely*. Instead of being reasoned and polite, you basically accused people of taking the easy way out for joining a sorority. Saying that other people are getting their panties in a wad is not very nice. You might want to check your own underwear, methinks?

No, my panties are just find. In fact my panties don't even ride up my butt. Maybe you bunch of people are way too sensitive. Plus, I don't beat around the bush nor should I. This is the end of this discussion. If you want to continue this discussion, do NOT include me in it.

DO NOT say anything that might be arugmentative because I am one of those people that has to respond to something like that and like I said I don't want to be involved anymore because this is taking up way too much of my time. Time in which I don't have.

Just so all you AI's know - When I was in college I worked full time, went to school full time, was chapter president, etc. - and I think AI is just fine!!! :D My chapter has initiated 2 (I even initiated one myself ;) ) and to me it is just another opportunity to welcome some more wonderful sisters to the family.

Not everyone has to agree with that of course but I thought I'd throw out my support to all the AI's and PNAM's out there...

now let's all get back to the original topic ....

I'd drop them a note at the beginning of the summer and maybe another one right before recruitment wishing good luck or even offering to help if it feels appropriate.

Thanx, pialpha both for the support, and for the advice.

It's coming down to how you communicate--and figuring out what is appropriate and what isn't.

I hope to have more progress reports some time soon. I might just have to wait it out through the summer. But hey, I've waited about 15 years, a few more months won't kill me, right?

Adrienne (PNAM-2003)
:D

Yes, Adrienne, it might seem like there is not much activity going on in the summertime as people go away in the summer months and what not. However, I think a little friendly "reminder" as to who you are in the form of a beautifully written card or note is always appreciated and welcomed.

I assume that you are another personality of a current GC troublemaker, but I will respond anyway since I obviously missed the memo on your appointment as law maker for the Alumni Forum. I assume that because you are new you don't know any better than to come in and criticize other people's membership paths and other organizations' standards for membership. Your posts and approach are not appreciated.

I am not an AI. I pledged before starting college, was very active as a collegiate and am now very active as an alumna. I believe that we need to recruit members who understand that membership is a lifelong commitment -- something you obviously missed out on in your new member ed session.

I have to admit that as a collegiate I didn't understand why anyone would want to partake in AI. As an alumna whose best friends are now members of the same GLO who are all from different chapters or AIs, I don't understand how anyone can berate AI. My best friend in the world is an AI. She lives approximately 3000 miles away from me about 3 days straight driving according to mapquest). She was a member of a colony that didn't get installed before she graduated. She is also now a member of our International Executive Board and numerous committees in our Fraternity. She is the most dedicated Alpha Phi I know.

As for the issue of stress you are in for a rude awakening when you graduate. Right now your stress centers on you. YOUR grades, buying books, paying your rent or dues. What are you going to do when other people rely on you to keep them alive? After all, if you are going to work for the Agency, your every decision could put others in jeopardy. Personally, I think that's a little more stressful than attending college. Maybe I'm delusional.

Regarding bonding, we all hope to live a long time after we graduate from college. My chapter sisters are wonderful people with whom I have a lot of history, but I have many more sisters who have been there for me through much more tragic and trying times in my life. We have vacationed together, worked together, visited one another and cumulatively, probably spent more time together or on the phone than I spent with my chapter sisters when I lived in the chapter house.

Laura

I am sure they have more time than I do. My mother did.
Then your mother obviously sat on her a** all day eating Doritos.

#1: I am not going to have a family simply because the job I will get will not be suitable for a family. I am joining the CIA after I graduate from graduate school.
That's well and good, but I know from personal experience that candidates for Central Intelligence Agency training must complete an extensive battery of psychological testing in order to be considered. Perhaps you should work on dislodging that chip on your shoulder before you apply?

#2: As for the mortgage, most people that have one have jobs that pay much more than mine does and they work the same amount of hours as I do but don't have to go to school.
If you can't afford a mortgage, you shouldn't take one on. It's called being "house poor".

#3: As much as school was very much of a choice for me as it was a necessity, it is a CHOICE to have a family. People do NOT have to get married and/or have kids.
Many people feel as strongly about marriage and a family as you do about school.

#4: No, shockingly, I will not be joining an alumnae group BECAUSE OF MY JOB for heaven's sake.
One does not preclude the other. It sounds like you are insinuating that women who doin alumnae chapters don't work outside the home. That's terribly insulting as well as untrue. The reason I no longer work is not because I can't find the time to hold down a job because of my sorority commitments. It is because my husband makes a lot of money and I can afford the things I need and want without working. Sorry if that sounds bitchy, but you pulled the bitch card way before I did.

#5: Most people don't have as many things going on in their lives as much as a college student does. They have a family and maybe a job. WOO HOO! Wish I only had 2 things that stressed me out on a daily basis. The other things that stress people out are self-imposed.
Sweetie, take a reality pill PLEASE! In a few years when you are out there in ADULTLAND, you're going to look back at the statement you made and you're going to be embarassed at what an all-knowing, self-important little twit it makes you sound like! If you are this stressed out handling class, work, volunteer work and your sorority, maybe you belong behind the counter at Burger King 40 hours a week; not in college.

#6: I have to have a job (to pay for school stuff), I have to go to school because it surprisingly enough isn't the 1950s anymore where the woman is severely opressed by her man, and yes, I chose the sorority stuff because I wanted to have a life outside the work and school realms.
Then quit yipping about everything you "have" to do!

#7: My parents pay for tuition so loans from my college will not be seeking payments for that. I have to pay for everything else (i.e. car insurance and gas, textbooks, sorority bills, apartment, etc.).
You know hunny, a lot of people would say that you're a pampered little lamb because mummy and daddy pay your tuition. Ooooooh, you pay for your car insurance! Ooooh, you pay for gas, Oooooh, you pay for textbooks, blah, blah, blah!!! You think those things make you independant???? Pleeeze! :rolleyes: Sure, it's nice that you chip in, but you're not paying the brunt of it. You're still dependant on your parents.

Also, if you want to discuss this further, you can PM me but this is getting ridiculous because all I did was state my opinion and everyone got their panties in a wad.
If anything, I'm embarassed for you. You can't express yourself in any meaningful, eloquent way, you come off as a whiny, sniveling little snot, and it is very clear that you have little or no idea what you're talking about.

Just to note, you're not the only person who handled class, job, sorority and volunteerism. I did that, in addition to holding an editorial staff position on my college newspaper. And I paid the tuition my scholarship didn't cover. And I did a public relations internship. And I graduated early. And I snagged a plum job that was creatively and financially rewarding (though demanding; 60+ hours a week). And I still remained active in an alumnae chapter because being a Delta Zeta does not end when college does. And I paid back my student loans all by myself. And I'm sure I'm not the only woman who has ever done that. So do get over yourself.

But, I'm sure you're, um, a nice person. Afterall, you DID manage to get in a sorority the second time around! Oh, and please don't post explaining how you didn't get a bid the first time because you missed Prefs due to the fact that there was an international crisis and you had to brief the President on the state state of US/Saudi relations or something equally ridiculous and self-serving. 'Cause no one could possibly be as important as you seem to think YOU are :)

First of all, if you think that getting initiated as an alumna is easier than going through rush, that shows how little you know about the process. Go through and read some of the threads about women who have initiated as alumnae. During my collegiate rush experience, all I had to do was go to some parties, make small talk and then I got a bid. These potential alumnae initiates must go through a process which is far more involved, far longer, and most of the time more difficult than collegiate rush. It is not "the easy way out." Were you subjected to a full background check before recruitment? Probably not. Did you have to spend months waiting to see if a group was going to invite you back? No. Were you only supposed to approach one group (or at the most, maybe two) at a time? No.

Not to mention that a family is a full-time job, 24 hours seven days a week, especially if you have young kids. And those who also have a job outside of the home will be working 40-60 hours a week. Personally, I think that's a little more stressful than college, and this is coming from someone who goes to school just as much as you do, balances homework, volunteer work, a boyfriend, and sorority, and has worked a job while at school in the past (although I don't currently). I think you are going to be disappointed if you expect "the real world" to be less stressful than college.

As my mom says, "Let the door hit ya where the Good Lord split ya!"

*counts the number of times she's responded in this thread*

Yep.. sure does look like someone who is pressed for time. :rolleyes:

Excellent advice.. one wonders if "Spy Barbie" had enough time to read it. :p :D

Killarney, I could hug you after that post. :D

SPY BARBIE!!!!! Sistermadly, you crack me up!! :D

SPY HARPIE is more like it, though.

You know, after my 7 year-old daughter saw "Spy Kids", she wanted to be a spy too. Now she wants to be a ballerina. Kids are so fickle! :)

DO NOT say anything that might be arugmentative because I am one of those people that has to respond to something like that
Boys and girls, can you say "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder"? Or how about "Don't say anything to disturb the crazy lady" :D

Well, this was all fun but I want to go watch "Will and Grace" now. Ciao!

LOL best post ever

I know that I'm a little behind so I apologize for bringing up something that might be 'dead' two pages from when initially posted.

I am a proud AI of AOII. I was in a local as a collegiate, moved to Michigan and wanted to get back involved in Greek Life. AOII and I found each other, the rest is ongoing history. I just wanted to add my two cents worth that even though I am an alumna initiate, I still gave a LOT to my chapter of initiation. When I was chapter adviser (1.5 hours from where I was living), I was a full-time+ graduate student (15 hours graduate level classes), a full-time job, a full-time graduate assistantship (20 hours per week), AND weekend volunteering at museums and various living history events. If that is not making time for AOII because I wanted to - despite not having the time, I don't know what is. I am a dues paying alumna and if I had been given the opportunity to be a part of AOII or another NPC sorority while an undergraduate I would have done that - and still have given the time that I have.

Sarah
AI - 2000

P.S. I also wanted to add some comments to those that I found amusing. I paid my own way through undergrad (private college) as well as grad school (along with buying my own car, insurance, books, entertainment funds, study abroad, apartment/dorm, etc). I have a mortgage (because it is cheaper than an apartment - seriously!) and I earn enough to pay bills and put a very little aside for asthetic work on my house (talk about stress some times!). Basically I have been on my own financially for the past 11 years since graduating high school so be VERY thankful that your parents are providing what they are to you because it is RARE!

sigh...
 

(shakes head) Alumnae world is so COMPLETELY different from collegiate world in SO many ways. They really cannot compare. Different age groups, different experiences and on and on. It is almost a different organization.

We have over 800 alumnae in our area. 30 pay dues to the group. What does that tell you? I'll tell you: A very few people feel the lifelong commitment it seems. When a woman who is well qualified, interested, personable, outgoing and financially committed to supporting the glo I think she is MORE of an asset to her GLO than a 4 year collegian who faded away long ago....


Now, back to my hypothetical two children under age four, full time job and husband AND role as officer in my Alumnae group!

Marie

I wasn't going to post, but if she thinks the AI process is "easy" in the NPC, then I'd hate to see how she react to the process for the NPHC groups.:D :p

now back to our regualrly scheduled thread

KillarneyRose gets two snaps and a figure eight. http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmili.../xyxthumbs.gif I haven't laughed this hard in a while. http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/rofl.gif

Thanks to all who have shown us AIs such great support! http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmili...y/luxhello.gif

MYMYMY...I guess I shouldn't post anything directed to anyone, since it seems that the witch has already taken off on her broomstick.

I do think that y'all are correct in assuming a lack of maturity on Ms. Thing's part. At one point in college I was working THREE jobs, paying EVERYTHING on my own, and have a stack of student loans to prove it! If she would really like to compare stressors, then lets compare...I'm sure I can beat you. My husband (whom I CHOSE to marry) will be deploying to the middle east sometime this week. Last week, I found out I was pregnant, and he will probably NOT be here (in Germany, where NONE of my family is) when I deliver our first child...which I also chose to have. At the same time this is going on, I'm finishing my Master's in Education...also something that I am paying for and chose to do. Should I continue or would you like to hear how hard it is to walk out your door everyday in a country where people hate you? How about the estimated date when my student loans will be paid off?

The most ironic part is that when I was in college, I thought things could not nearly be as tough as they are right now. Boy was I wrong. The reason that people get jobs and have families is because they see it as a normal HEALTHY part of life...much like your choice to focus on your career and nothing else, will make you quite a target for other belittling. I'm sure that you, your job,and your twenty cats will be quite happy in retirement in the backwoods of Montana. Do not degrade others for the choices that we make, as they are our choices and we are not bitching about making them. When you are truly on your own, then you let us know what's it's like.

If you chose to respond, the only acceptable response is a thank you to my husband for fighting for your right to spew incoherent, uneducated, crap from your mouth.

For the PNAM's and AI's...I did not know that this was possible when I first came to GC. Therefore, I EDUCATED myself on it before stating my opinion and looking like a fool. It is very naive of you to assume that bonds of sisterhood only exist amongst your collegiately linked sisters. I have started a group for women involved as military members, military spouses, or other government agencies as a support group. Not a single one of our members is from my chapter, but I feel closer to them than some of the girls I went to school with! And, most of us have never met face to face! If ANY women decided that she wanted to be a part of the sisterhood that DG shares, I would be HONORED to share that with them...regardless of the who's and why's of they didn't pledge as a collegian. You mentioned money, but as far as I'm concerned the time and effort these women devote to an organization is far more valuable then the money that I spent in college. Because, I guarantee that these women know how to appreciate it!

Okay...I'll stop...it's not good for the baby! LOL!

Adrienne

p.s. KilarneyRose...you crack me up!

I must also agree with Adrienne (ajuhdg). My husband is also serving our country in the Army and I live in Germany which has anti-war protests but as you can clearly tell "does not have a dog in this fight" so to speak. Well, it sorta makes my blood boil. So if you think your life is stressful well at least you an American living in America! As for the AIs, I think its a great idea! They sometimes have pics of them in our magazine and they always look so happy to have joined DG. And I'm glad they are happy. I would be lost in this country without my sisters. They have been a huge help to me getting adjusted! So I believe in the alumnae experience! I also believe that the women in the 1950s weren't surpressed and as you may have noticed back then people actually parented their children and the divorce rate was lower! :)

#2 Really, a lot of people that have first and second mortgages do not have the money - which is why they have a mortgage. My father is the only one in my family with a steady job and even that hasnt been steady. It is not all a "cake walk" in the real world sweetie.

#4 I am a 22 year old undergrad who happens to be alumna. I am very active with my chapter AND in the alumna world. Why would you NOT want to stay involved with your org if it "means so much to you" as you say?

#7 Try having to pay for everything yourself, and I mean EVERYTHING.

Thank you very much.

Sorority - its not just 4 years its 4 life.

The CIA sounds like an excellent goal, and would be an exciting career.

However, don't be too narrow in your expectations for anything. Stay open to possibilities. Life will offer you lots of interesting opportunities and choices (good and bad, expected and unexpected). You are strong enough to stand up for what you believe in, want, and need... that's great! But also try to be flexible enough to deal with what life hands you.

College is apparently a challenging time for you, but it is just 4 (or so) years of your life. DECADES lie ahead after that, and who knows what they could bring? Be ready for them by knowing what you want AND by being receptive to the new... you may be surprised at how far you go!

It is my sincere hope that decades from now when you look back at the path you've walked, there will be very few regrets (we all have them) and LOTS of satisfaction.

peachy

thank you!
 

Sugar and spice, You have summed up what i have been thinking all through out this thread. thank you :D

I was not going to get involved in this mud slinging fight with the misinformed "CIA "spy barbie" wanna be" thinks or blurts out there to cause chaos among us, but i will say i find her remarks down right insulting!

I had so many barriers against me in college to pledge and i never got to exp the bonding in college. But i will tell you my Alpha Phi sisters don't see AI written all over me they see Laura who is also an A Phi just like them. If that isn't bonding then i don't know what is! I am a PROUD AI and i am very active in my Alumnae chapter as VP of Membership and am looking to get more involved when time lets up to get involved hopefully with a coll chapter.

AI is the hardest thing to do. Don't get me wrong i was very blessed to approach my initation the way i did. It took me 6 months total. and i love every moment of being a A Phi! But i will tell you the road leading from college graduation in 95 to June of last yr was hard. I searched out a few GLOs who had the possiblity o f AI and all three either ended in heart break or nothing becoming of it.

I have heard in many replies that during formal rush, "sit pretty , make small talk and get a bid"...if AI was that easy life would be a happy place. AI you put yourself out there for display and got to prove why you want to become aprt of the sisterhood. Ladies.....that is hard! You really want to want it to make it thru some processes of AI that i have heard about. There is no easy way in.

some of my sisters on here will tell you how much anxiety i went thru waiting and wondering if i was in or not. Satx*aphi will tell you as she calmed me down a few times. formal rush is 3 to 4 days...AI is a lot longer ....try months! I would do it all over again knowing i would be a Alpha Phi !:D:):D

with wanting to be an AI as much as we all wanted to and what we went thru not to mention shouldering work, family, school and other outside commitments i think AIs are a great breed of sisters because we worked hard to get where we are at and show our love and pride of being a member of a GLO. i say WE ROCK THE HOUSE!:D

PROUD PROUD member of ALPHA PHI dang it!
ALUM INITATE 2002!
Laura:D

Poor little thing, bless her heart, seems to be in need of "People Skills 101" I can just imagine her interviews. :eek:

Q: It says on your resume that you're taking 36 credits this semester, working 60 hours a week, singlehandedly building a new home for an underprivleged family of 12 and are an outside consultant to the United Nations to boot. How do you expect to find the time to serve in this position?

A: Um, excuse me , but you forgot to mention how I'm working diligently to save the Purple Panamanian Fruitfly from extinction and developing cure for athletes foot while simultaneously paying for the insurance on the car my parents bought me

Q: Next!

A: Did you know that I'm the one that invented "The Clapper"?

Q: Please leave.

A: Clap on {clap, clap}, Clap off {clap, clap}, Clap on, clap off....

Q: Security!!!!!

some of you GCers definately have a future in comedy writing!

LMAO

killarneyrose,

you are really funny! :D

My mother, a PNAM, couldn't AFFORD to be in a sorority in college because she was putting herself through a private school. "Easy in?" I doubt it. Sororities are not about dues, they are about sisterhood. I highly doubt women say "I won't join in college, I'll do it afterwards and not pay dues!" I don't think any PNAM with that as her motivation would make it far withmost groups. Women who are alums have careers and families (everybody has a family...), and they too volunteer, belong to churches, and do things with their sororities. I think you have a very exclusive attitude going on. What if a woman was a triple-threat legacy to ZTA but went to a college that didn't have a chapter? Rather than join a group there, she waited until graduation because there was nothing but ZTA for her. You think she wouldn't be a good member because she didn't pay nm fees? That's ridiculous.

She probably doesn't think they're real, becuase they don't have Formal Recruitment. :p

I just have to say that I heart KillarneyRose! :D

All of you are just cracking me up with your responses to this chick. Too bad nothing seems to be getting through to her.


One last thing:

ROCK ON, ALUMNAE INITIATES! You guys are the ones who join for all the right reasons from the start, which is more than I can say for many who joined as collegiates (myself included). I thought I knew what being in a sorority was all about while I was in college, but being an alumna has taught me so much more. AI's have it the best because you get to jump right to the best part!

killarney rose- i just about peed my pants! you are wonderful!!!

Easy????
 

Oh, I swore I was not going to respond, but I had to. You all know how I have been overjoyed to find out about AI for months now. I have my first activity with "a sorority" on Sunday, and I don't mind saying that I am a bit nervous.

But EASY???? Is it easy to be going through "Rush" at age 50? Is it easy knowing that the first group I visit may or may not be "the One" and if it isn't, I have to start all over? Is it easy to maybe have to wait during the summer while activities are at a lull?

EASY????? Oh, give me air!!!

I am SOOO thankful for the wonderful sororities that do embrace AI and welcome women into their sisterhood.

OK, it must be time for lunch or I wouldn't be so cross.


Lizz (PNAM tinydancer - and PROUD of it!!)

OK.

Here's my take on this, from "the other side of the fence" - fraternities.

It seems to me that many of the "honorary" initiates (which would be our term for alumni, or other categories other than "standard" initiation) have been extremely involved AND influential.

I've seen one honorary start not one, but two, colonies, one has been chartered for a while, and the second is months away from chartering.

I've seen another honorary take a very high leadership position not only in our fraternity, but in the interfraternity world as well, drawing upon his legal expertise.

I've seen other honoraries stay involved (statistically speaking, MUCH more involved than brothers who go alumni by graduation) with their respective chapters.

Never, EVER, have I heard a word of criticism of HOW they got into the brotherhood. Once a brother, always a brother, regardless of the circumstances of how one became involved. Sure, I have heard lot's of criticism about how they might approach a problem with a solution, but, then again, that is what makes them even MORE valuable to the organization - they are able to bring in an outside perspective that brothers "raised" on the traditions and history of a particular chapter might not otherwise have. It's always a good thing to have a "devil's advocate" to someone with the tired argument of "but that's how it's always been done here." Tradition does not mean the "right" way all the time.

A fresh pair of eyes, a different perspective, or just the voice of experience can sometimes make all the difference in the membership and future of a chapter.

LXAAlum, that's a fantastic perspective. I never thought of the devil's advocate possibilities!

Three cheers to the alumni/ae initiates and all they do to strengthen our organizations. :)

I've found out that my current status as a non-Greek has been helpful in educating parents about Greek life at my alma mater.

I work as an Admissions Volunteer at BU. Basically, we do college nights, field interviews, etc.

Invariably, the first question I get is about Greek life, from both students and parents. Down here in the South, Greek recruitment can be pretty harsh. (Witness the many GC threads on the topic.) I have the opportunity to define how things work at our school, from an objective standpoint--and calm their fears/concerns for their kids going off to school.

"Hmmmmm--she has nothing to gain by promoting Greeks 'cause she isn't one herself. Maybe there is something really good here to look at!"

So, in some small way, I'm trying to promote Greek life at my own alma mater, and other schools by using that "objective" POV. Hopefully it's working.

(But I'm still pushing AI--I'll work that in when the time comes! :p )

Adrienne (PNAM-2003)
:D

Good luck with AI! I have heard good thngs about it at least from my perspective!