1) Is there a such thing as Greeks 4 Four Years and Greeks 4 Life?
Hell yes there is. But I think that during new member programs, we (and I mean most greeks, not just my sorority) haven't done a bang up job in teaching our new members that membership is for life. We say it, but unfortunately, it isn't reinforced. So many wonderful people end up being Greek for 4 years instead of Greek for life.
2) Has anyone else had a conversation like the previously mentioned whether ist someone in their own house or a different one?
I have had this conversation, and through working with chapters as an alumnae volunteer, I feel I have helped some folks who would not have been active alumnae to join the ranks.
3) Can you decifer between those who are 4 years and those for life?
Sometimes, yes, but we had one sister, who just wasn't all that active as a collegiate member, but during her senior year, decided to become a travelling leadership consultant. We all thought it was nuts, b/c she wasn't all that active. She turned out to be a fantastic consultant, and she still is active now as an alum as compared to some sisters who we never ever hear from at all.
4) Would you consider yourself a 4 year or Lifetimer and by what standards?
Definitely a lifer now, but in the beginning, I was a four year. I found out about being a volunteer and working with chapters through a friend of mine who does it, and she got me in the loop. Once I really got into it, I realized that what I wanted to do was to give support to all those chapters who don't get more than a visit from the LCs twice a year, and I also recruited some friends to volunteer. I wouldn't say that my alumnae years have been better than my collegiate years, but they've been sooo rewarding, that I wouldn't trade them for the world. And I've got so many more to go!!
Does anyone when talking to a person who they find out is Greek listen to see if they are going to say one or the other?
I don't necessarily listen for it, but I hear it a lot. Like this: "when I was in college, I was a XYZ". And then I say, "Isn't membership for life?" and they say, "yeah, but I don't do anything anymore..that was for college"....disappointing.
What do you think about Greeks {collegians or alums} who only talk about partying?
I think it's unfortunate that they only talk about the partying, because they don't emphasize to non-Greeks the incredible benefits that also can come out of fraternity/sorority life. BUT, I think this is probably more a "chapter" trait. If your chapter only focuses on partying, why would you focus on something else?
What do you think about chapters who's members talk about things that their chapters probably shouldnt be doing, and the members dont care and act as if nothing is wrong?
Honestly, I don't think that chapters are doing much more worse things than we all probably did as collegiates. I know I participated in some things that weren't up to standards for my own group. I don't doubt that collegiates now do too. If they get caught, they must deal with the consequences, and that's a point I tend to drive home to each chapter I work with on any risk management or hazing issue.
OK, I'll end my novel now
