Does Age Really Matter???
 

Hi everyone, I am a 32 y/o woman in the USAF. I have been in the military almost 14 years, and I have enough credits to finish my degree. However, it has always been a goal of mine to pledge to a NPHC sorority (I wont say which, just a sign of respect), but due to the constant moving and shaking, I didnt stay in one place long enough to attend school as a full time student. Now, that I am finally in a position to do so, I plan to make this my year. I am just a little unerved at the general age of "pledgees"- which happens to be about 19-21. I am asking for your advice! Should I just wait and go Graduate? Thanks for your help Ladies and Gents!
-AFBluegal:confused:

Go to the NPHC forum of your choice here on GC and read the FAQ that is "stickied" to the top of the forum. It will start out "Important:" and then the title of the thread.

Read the FAQ. Then follow it to the letter.

Good luck! :)

nah, age doesnt matter. i know frat that was almost 30 when he pledged in Spring 04...and he came thru an undergrad chapter. if you can humble yourself and not take the "process" to heart, and just remember that that is what it is, during that setting, then you'll be iight...

and if you decide to come in thru grad chapter...dependin on the chapter, those in charge of ya process might still be younger than you...

My chapter had a 49 year old guy and a 27 year old guy pledge this last semester...both are great guys and we're glad to have them. So I would have to say age doesn't matter at all. Just be willing to put everything you can into the organization you wish to join.

NPHC = whole different ballgame.

Since we do not know the org of your chioce nor are we able to speak for the chapter of your universtiy, we can ONLY give general comments.

First, Thank you for serving our country!:D

Secondly, there are other discussions about age and joining as an undergraduate. Personally, I do not see a problem with your age and joining on an undergraduate level. However, you mentioned the age range so that wil be something to consider. Should you be selected for membership, the other candidates will very likely be much younger than yourself. The members will be a lot younger than you, if I can find those other threads about 'joining an NPHC org and Age' I will post them.

The undergraduate chapter of the org of your choice may (more than likely) have stipulations about enrollment at the university (enrollment as a full time student).

The org of your choice may have a different selection process for graduate membership than on an undergraduate level (ex. invite only).

Check the International website for the org of your choice and attend functions of the org at your school.

Thanks;)

In my opinion, there would have to be a pretty solid reason for pledging anyone that is a junior or over.


Stick to freshmen and sophmores.

Like AlphaFrog said NPHC= whole different ballgame.

I was initiated as a senior.

it will only be as difficult as you want it to be. a member of the line after mine was 52 when she pledged. and we've had several non-traditional students on nearly every line since then. and if by chance you don't make line as an undergrad, you can join at the alumnae level.

continue your research and get to know people. :)

At many commuter campuses, your age is similar to that of many of the young women seeking membership. Many of them have returned to school after getting married and having children, etc.

Good luck! Sounds like any group would be lucky to have you!

This isn't a "rush" thread, and you don't go into the NPHC wanting "any group". You go in (ideally), having done your research, talked to members, gone to informationals, etc.

In AOII Angel's defense, the OP didn't mention, or even allude to the sorority of her choice. So she's saying any of the 4 would be lucky to have her. :)

I know. It just looked like something that was copied and pasted from an NPC rush thread.:D It was amusing if anything.;)

Thanks. Don't worry about Alpha Frog...she has decided she doesn't like anything I post and has annointed herself my keeper apparently. Anyway, you are correct, I was being general because I don't know her group of interest. I am quite aware that NPHC groups don't rush like NPC groups. I think someone who has given 14 years of service to her country would make a dedicated member of any group.:)

It's not about "not liking what you post". You don't quite seem to see the differences in NPHC. I guess I could use more :) , ;) , and :D to make it apparent that I'm not being snarky, I'm just pointing out differences.

Don't worry...I'll just try harder not to be offended!:D I do realize they are very different than NPC, though.

I pledged undergrad at 26 after several years in the Air Force(GO BLUE!!)...it can definitely be done, just keep an open mind and a humble heart throughout the experience/process...also don't rule out graduate chapters...that may be your best bet so you don't put off graduation just to pursue membership...if its meant to be it will happen for you...good luck!!!! :)

Go ahead and do your thang ;) my sistergreeks have given you some great advice.

When I was a graduate advisor for an undergrad chapter I oversaw, we had a captain in the Navy be extended an invitation to join.

Let's just put it like this, it will not be anything worse than boot camp, and it should not be anything worse that hazard duty. Their should not be any hazing going on and if there is, you are in an illegal process. You know what hazing looks like...

If those are your concerns, let's put them to rest right here, right now...

But, if you are concerned with little girls behaving wildly, then maybe you should wait and join an alumnae chapter, which costs more and you will be working harder.