Originally Posted by humblerumble
I understand that I will be reminded about how very important it is to choose your Sorority/Fraternity wisely.
Having no real knowledge of Greek life (since no one in my family is Greek), and no understanding of the TRUE connection and networking opportunities as well as community service opportunities available amongst certain orgs, I honestly feel that I kind of blindly chose mine. And now I regret it more than I ever thought I would.
There have been no opportunities to network or obtain mentorship. When I've tried, I get turned away. The women in this org (I HATE to sound shallow..but I have to be honest) don't really carry themselves well in terms of their public appearance. The chapter I came in through was smaller, and full of older women, so I didnt recognize this at first. But the women are generally unkempt, hair not done, nails dirty and chipped, clothing is ill fitting, and it's almost like they don't believe in makeup. Many of them are also out of shape. I am embarrassed to call them Soror, or to show people pictures of myself with them.
The org itself doesnt get much respect, and is very unorganized. The website is a joke, everything takes 45-90 days before it's handled, and overall, it's falling to pieces. I have smaller nieces and cousins who want to be Greek when they go to college, and I cringe when I hear them say they want to be an "XYZ", like me.
Also, before induction, I was SO close to backing away from this org, but a good friend, who is also a member convinced me to "push on", telling me that I shouldnt be a quitter, and so on. I'm not making excuses for myself, but I now realize that she did it because misery loves company. Immediatley after my induction, she began to complain about everything and everybody, and even once said she was glad that I was in because she wouldnt have to go through it alone.
I guess in the end, I know the rules, and I'm stuck. I just wish the LARGER governing body of all the orgs would allow some kind of "open window", where one could switch their org if they'd like. I know that's insane, and it will never happen...but I swear that I dream about it day in and day out. I've truly made the biggest mistake of my life. Dues are increasing, and I don't feel that I'm getting a mutual benefit from being in this org. I do LOADS of community service with a group of friends who are unrelated to this org.
I made the decision to join because I beleived in the mission and legacy of the founders. but also because I was "sold" into thinking so much would be available to me. That the relationship would be mututally beneficial. I could do community service, youth outreach, and gain mentorship while getting networking opportunities. I have been a hard working Soror.
This was a horrible mistake....sometimes I'm near tears, and I wish I'd never done this. When I see my colleagues who are in other orgs, their membership benefits are evident. They are in the community working, getting a leg up on job opportunities, and more. They are also more respected. I even began to dislike our colors and handsign. The colors are unladylike and ugly and the hand sign makes me look cripple (that last part was seriously immature venting..just had to get it out).
Well...thanks for listening.
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