I guess I'm the traditionalist.
My aunt, who is 7 years older than me was initiated into Alpha Chi Omega. I thought the sun and moon set with her (still do
) and wanted to everything she did. I remember that she had met her husband at a sorority/fraternity mixer and while getting my MRS degree was not a priority, I also knew that she had been on their exec board as well - THAT interested me.
So, during the university's organizational information sessions, I signed up for Formal Recruitment. I listed my aunt's membership - even though ONU did not have an AXO chapter.
We had four chapters at our campus. The rich girls, the pyschos, the "loose" girls and the brains and leaders. I was black-balled from the pyscho sorority b/c my husband (now) was dating at the time the CP of that sorority. (DH and I had dated prior to me attending college.) So I'm down to three. I was very intimidated from the rich group. I wondered if I'd always be trying to "catch up" with them and had already done that in high school and didn't want to compete again. The "loose" sorority could have had me - but I didn't want a real or perceived reputation. Lucky for me, I TOTALLY clicked with AOII. My big sis and I connected right from the start.
When I attended the Preference Party and my (future) big give me the rose and told me that to me it was just a rose but to her it was her heart. And asked me to place the petal in the bowl and make a wish... Wow. I look back now and can't believe I was the least bit worried.
When we went to sign our bid cards, the GA told us the rules and to put more than one group down. I had talked to my aunt and she said, if I only felt comfortable in one chapter, don't put another down just to get into that one - wait a year and see if I change my mind. So, I suicided AOII and got my bid the next day. I've been cardinal and white ever since.
Last week I got the nicest compliment from a sister from my chapter. She told me that she was lucky to have gotten to meet me in college and glad that we have remained friends since college. She also said that if more AOIIs had my spirit and love for AOII what a lucky world we'd live in. I was so touched. That note will go in my AOII file and I'll cherish forever. My best friends are AOIIs. I enjoy every aspect of advising. (Good and bad) and wouldn't pass it up for anything. Infact, I think I've learned more about AOII in the last 3 years as an adviser than I ever did in college. The alum years are certainly a blessing.
Thanks Christin for the thread.