Going to alum holiday reception tonight....
 

I am going to a alumni holiday reception tonight and I'm feeling kinda weird about it. The reason is that I've just graduated in May, and know about 5 people that are going to be there. Also, most of the people have lived in the area for awhile, while I've moved to the area in August.

Is there anything I can do so I won't feel too weird?

I felt kind of weird going to my first sorority alumnae association meeting because I knew absolutely no one. Then I figured that most of the people were in the same boat and probably didn't know each other before they attended the first meeting. I decided that I would go and check it out and enjoy myself. If I didn't like it, I didn't have to return. I had fun and met some nice people so now they can't get rid of me. ;)

I guess my advice is that you should decide to have fun and enjoy yourself. Be friendly and approachable. Talk to some of the people you don't know yet. You might make some new friends. :)

As the president of an alumnae group, let me tell you we are ALWAYS thrilled to meet new people at our gatherings! Just to know there are other sisters out there is exciting to us...to hear their stories and experiences in comparisons to our own is exciting.

Remember, ultimately you're all sisters and you have a bond to these women before you even walk in the door...that in itself is HUGE! You also already know some women before you walk in from your own chapter, so that'll help.

Have fun! And if you decide it's not for you at this time, that's okay too. I needed a few years after going alum before I could join again. I needed some distance fromm my active life to the life of an alum. Now that I'm in, I'm in for life!

So how was it?

I guess I didn't describe quite well. The reception that I went to was for the University. They hold 4 receptions (Philadelphia, NYC, Harrisburg, and Williamsport.) I was the only 2004 graduate there!

There were about 85 people that attended. It was a little overwhelming for me. In the end, I had an okay time. I might actually go back next year.


About the alumnae association, I am trying to find one for me. The nearest one to me is in Philadelphia, and the members of that group aren't receptive in having new members. (Little E can attest to that.)

All in all, I needed a night out on the town...Thanks for the concern. :)