[MaryPoppins]

Originally Posted by AzTheta

This is the UGLY time of year for everyone on semester system (it comes a little later on quarter system and for some reason it isn't quite so awful, but it still happens). You guys are sick of each other, and exhausted.

In every chapter you will find mean girls, all kinds of cliques, and "it" girls - the ones that don't quite fit in, for whatever reason. You might be an "it" girl; I've seen those girls, every year. If you can hang on and work through it, know this: you'll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible, and you'll learn how to get along with anyone and everyone. Tolerance and patience, plus knowing how not to treat people, are also skills that you'll develop. Incredible training and preparation for Life. You will get comfortable in your own skin. You'll find your own North star. Life doesn't begin and end during college, and the mean girls will get theirs. Oh yeah. I've seen it. Trust me on this.

Here's a truth that people don't usually say out loud: not everyone in that chapter (or in your organization) is your sister. You'll not be close to everyone, and not everyone will live the values or uphold the principles in a way that would make your post unnecessary. Statistically, in any chapter you're going to run the gamut of personalities and associated problems. No one gets along with everyone. NO ONE. I've gotten thrown under the bus a time or two by my own "sisters." It's human nature. I've just gotten really good at rolling fast under that bus, and picking myself up, dusting myself off, and moving on!

If you walk away, you're missing out on thousands of sisters (not just in your own GLO, but Panhellenically as well). You're missing out on a lifetime of connections and experiences. The best years of your membership are ahead of you. I'm still in touch with my pledge class sisters (and that was many trips around the sun ago). I have awesome NPC sisters who are not Thetas but are just as dear and close to me as possible, as well as incredible relationships with my own Theta sisters all around the world. I've gotten so much from advising, being active in the Tucson Alumnae Panhellenic chapter, and from my own Theta alumnae chapter. I've gotten way more out of this deal than I ever got during my college years.

Take the focus off everyone else. Put it on yourself. Read your creed/symphony/values - what have you. Dive into the history of your chapter. Get involved with the philanthropy and the alumnae chapter. Find out how you can make a difference. Give it your best. And if you still feel the way you feel, then resign.

AZTheta, you always hit the nail on the head. I am proud you are my Sister, even though we are from different Chapters and different generations. TLAM - M.P.