[KappaKittyCat]

I sympathize completely. When I was in college, one conversation with my parents where they expressed the teensiest doubts about my plans could take the wind out of my sails completely. It took a long time for me to learn to make my own decisions. Here are some tips that might help you:

First of all, accept the bid. You're excited about this; I can tell.

Second, you can head some of your parents' concerns off at the pass with a little research and some heartfelt conversation.

Grades: Find out from the Scholarship Chair or your NM Educator what the chapter's and Panhellenic's average GPA for last semester were. Chances are at least one of these numbers is at or higher than the 3.5 you need for your scholarships. I know that in my chapter we each had to set a semester grade goal. Tell your parents that your goal will be either the 3.5 or the chapter or Panhel average, whichever's highest. Tell them this is your top priority. Then MAKE IT BE. Take adpiucf's advice regarding budgeting your time. Make yourself a study schedule, find study buddies in the house, do whatever you need to do, but keep your grades up. Also, keep your parents posted on your progress (e.g. quiz and paper grades, study time, etc.) so they know you're staying dedicated to your studies.

Finances: Find out from the Finance Chair or your NM Educator exactly how much it'll cost to live in the house. Then find out exactly how much it'll cost to live in the dorms. Then ask/call around and get some estimates on rent costs for student apartments near campus. It's usually cheaper to live in, and you're right about it being safer. Present these numbers and the safety argument to your parents. Let them know that you understand you're responsible for dues. The fact that you've gone to the trouble to crunch the numbers and figure out how much cheaper it'll be to live in next semester will show your parents that you know money doesn't grow on trees.

Your mom: You said it beautifully yourself. You had certain preconceptions about Greek life but you decided that a mature adult doesn't make decisions based on assumptions: they make informed decisions. You decided to check out the Greek scene and you found out that your preconceived notions were wrong. And believe me, if you don't want to become a sheep, you won't. Tell your mom that these sorority women like you for who you are and don't want you to change, and that you have no intention to.

Don't worry. Your parents aren't against the idea of your joining a sorority; they're just worried about you. If you can assure them that you're mindful of their concerns, they'll feel a lot better.

Congratulations on your bid. If you feel comfortable telling us, who's the lucky house?