Thanks everyone for your words and support! It really is SO exciting and yes, it feels GREAT! Making the decision to pursue AI is a tough one, and the journey itself is unique to each person who goes down this path. So far the experience has been amazing and I only see it getting even MORE amazing!!!
And while I know I don't *have* to say this - I'm going to just so it is said -- I DID NOT actively pursue two groups - only one! It was suggested up front that I contact the nationals of groups I was interested in as part of the process and investigation of AI - to see what policies existed and if they had a process for AI, as well as verifying their philanthropies, chapters, numbers, etc. (basically confirming that the website info was updated/accurate). So initially, I contacted two - both of which are great houses - but ultimately neither were the ones I chose to pursue and as such I didn't apply to either of these. Making contact was about information gathering - not applying. Not so different than the first part of rush when the girls visit all the houses to learn about them and figure out where they are comfortable. My thought was that while I had friends who were willing and wanting to sponsor me in both of those groups (and these ladies were also the ones encouraging me along the way!) I needed a bigger picture to look at than only their individual experiences.
For none of those who have gone the AI route have I ever met anyone who applied to more than one group. AI is NOT about applying to every sorority until one takes you - if anything I think it is a more in depth process of looking at the national offices, reputations, educational foundations, etc. etc. through adult eyes. I didn't "apply" until I knew where I wanted to be -- DPhiE!
The thing in all of this -- learning about each sorority was such a valuable experience. I have met so many intelligent and wonderful ladies along the way - and in a lot of ways this was rather like an extended rush but with an entire organization instead of one chapter. The strangest thing now is explaining to others in my graduate program what exactly AI is and why I wanted to be a part of a sorority post-undergrad.
I hope all this made sense - and I hope that each of you looking to find your home after undergrad will continue to look and learn. Joining a sorority is for life - some of us just happen to find our place a little later than others
~Beth