tentatively saying hello!
 

Hello GCers!

I am a little nervous about doing this, as I am afraid of jinxing myself, but I have been reading a lot of the very supportive threads on here and wanted to say hello!

Long story short (well, I hope), I never went through recruitment when I was in college, for various reasons. I was chicken the first semester I was eligible, then I thought I didn't have time, I didn't think I could afford it, my boyfriend didn't like the idea.... all things combined that I kept putting it off and then it was too late. I figured it just wasn't meant to be and went on with my college career.

My sister ended up going to my alma mater and going Greek (joining the sorority I had been most interested in and had had a lot of friends in). She had an amazing experience and I could see that it was very good for her. Before she graduated, I ended up coming back to work at the university, so I got to know a few of her sisters.

Fast forward to last fall. My sister had graduated two years previously, so the girls who were freshmen then were now the seniors. I had since also gotten to know a younger member of the chapter through my job. Imagine my surprise when this member and the chapter's president came to me and asked if I would be interested in being their advisor!! Theirs had moved, and there were no locally available alumnae. I was very honored and agreed to be their advisor, and after getting appropriate approval, I jumped right in.

Well, I fell in love with these girls. They are amazing and welcomed me with open arms, even though I didn't know a lot about what I was doing!! When I attended advisor training, I found a great group of fellow advisors there and 'fessed up to not being a sister... and they were all so very supportive.

I was asked that day if I would like to be an alumnae initiate, and I happily agreed! I really love the girls I advise and I feel that being an actual sister would help me to have a better understanding of everything and be an even better advisor.

I haven't heard anything since, so I have no idea what happens now or how long this will take or anything. I guess I'm a little nervous now!

I don't know if it's appropriate to say which org I am involved with, but if it is I'll gladly tell you, or PM me? Like I said, I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm sort of afraid to say too much. But I've learned a lot about Greek life in general on here and kinda wanted to wade in!

I don't really know much about NPC AI, but I have to say it's pretty cool that you got involved in this way. I hope that it all works out for you.

I agree with Senusret. I love hearing AI stories like yours.

I wouldn't publicly post the org. until after you're initiated, but that's just my opinion. How wonderful that you'll be able to share this with your sister!

You might not have heard anything because it takes some time to get the ball rolling, especially at HQ. Since you're already active with the sorority, my guess is that you'll find out as soon as that info becomes available.

Good luck and be sure to keep us posted!

Yours is the perfect kind of AI story in my opinion. Congratulations and please come back after initiation to tell us more about which group it is.

Yes, I agree. This is the perfect situation for AI.

I co-sign what OTW suggested... I would not mention the name of the organization just yet. But- please come back after initiation and tell us what group you are a part of.

My organization does not routinely do AI, so I am not too familiar with the process. But, from what I have read on GC the process can take awhile.

Finally- kuddos to you for offering to advise the chapter in the first place... you are the type of alumna that we would all be proud to have.

Congratulations! This is how AI should be! I can't wait to find out which GLO you will be joining.

Co-sign, co-sign, co-sign with all of the above. You are why the AI process exists at all, IMO. Keep on keepin' it groovy, groovypq, and keep us posted!

Your story is a model example of how AI should work. Congratulations and please let us know more after you have been initiated!

Co-sign with all the above comments expressing support. I think that you demonstrated why AI should be an option for NPCs, especially when the intention is that the PNAM will be an advisor. That type of service to a collegiate chapter serves just as strong a foundation for NPC membership as if you'd been involved as a student.

Congratulations and good luck!

Congratulations to you! This is truly a special honor for you, and the ladies of your chapter obviously think highly of you. I also serve as an advisor to a chapter of the group that I belong, and I truly love the involvment in mentoring these awesome women!

Good luck and we look forward to hearing more of your story !

Congratulations to you!

cosign with everyone above.. congrats!

that is so sweet that you helped out the girls when they had no one else to turn to for an advisoe. best of luck! we look foward to hearing what org you will be a part of once initiation happens

How wonderful! I'm glad to hear that you'll have an opportunity to share in their sisterhood while also contributing to the betterment of the chapter!

.....Kelly :)

Wow, thank you all SO much for your support! I am so touched by all your comments and even more excited about my AI journey!

I will keep you all posted for sure! :-)

Many congratulations to you and your future GLO. Yours is an AI story as it should be. Have fun with the experience and please let keep us updated with your story!

I agree with everything above. Keep the name of the org to yourself until you're initiated. I think, the less that people know, the better. Once the cat is out of the bag, it's not going back in.

and yes, I'd say that they are looking into how to get you AI'd, and maybe it takes a while.

Hang in there, keep on being the terrific advisor that you're being and the rest will fall into place.

You really must be a stand-out person to be approached! Congratulations!!!:D

Hi everyone!!

Things happened a little faster than I expected! I found out earlier this week that I was up for a vote, and found out yesterday morning that I was approved for alumnae initiation!

And then... the chapter I advise faked me out by inviting me over to the house last night for a meeting, but it turned out to be my initiation! ;) My (biological) sister walked into the room, and I started crying like a baby!! I am so happy they managed to get her there! And... she is also my big sister!!

So I can tell you all now that I am a proud AI of...












ZETA TAU ALPHA!

Congratulations! What a great story!

Congratulations to you and Zeta Tau Alpha!!! What a great AI story. :)

I am so excited for you and Zeta Tau Alpha!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!! Come introduce yourself on the Zeta board!

Congratulations!

Welcome to the Farmville Four!!! CONGRATS!!!!! :)

Welcome sister! Come over to the ZTA forum and say hello!

Congratulations groovy ZTA has some very nice members.

Glad you found Your Home!

Hope you will be appreciated for yourself for working so hard to attain membership!:)

You did things the right way and congrats on finding your home with Zeta Tau Alpha! :)

Your story is inspiring. Congrats!

Wonderful!

This is a *perfect* AI story, and the way that it should be done.

Congrats to you and ZTA. They clearly have an exceptional new initiate!

Congratulations on your initiation into Zeta Tau Alpha!

Congratulations and welcome to our wonderful sisterhood!!! I loved your story!!!

Wow...your chapter made your initiation so special! Congratulations to you and Zeta Tau Alpha!

Aww...that's so sweet! Congratulations!

.....Kelly :)

What a great, great story! Congratulations to you and Zeta Tau Alpha!