[aopirose]

Fall 1997 - I was an alumna of a local whose chapter was working with NPC Sorority #1 towards affiliation.

Spring 1998 – I was told by NPC sorority #1 that I could be an advisor to the chapter nearest me after initiation. (I was chapter advisor of my local for 6 years.) I contacted an advisor of NPC Sorority #2 (AOII) on that same campus since it was so different from my alma mater. She and I hit it off great. She invited me to Alumnae Panhellenic Luncheons, Teas, etc… At one event, I was able to speak with Gamma Phi Beta’s Betty Quick!

Fall 1999 – Local and NPC Sorority #1 did not work out. I opted not to AI with NPC Sorority #1 because I wanted to stay with my girls. I wanted to be with them if they affiliated. In the meantime, my friend kept telling me about AI with AOII. Again, I had no interest.

May 2000 – Local closed which was devastating. Later that month, my husband and I went to an AOII picnic. I was very nervous and this was compounded by my first trimester. The smell of certain foods was less then appealing and I couldn’t stand to be near someone drinking coffee. However, everyone was so friendly that it felt right.

October 2000 - My friend asked for the umpteenth time when was I going to AI. I surprised her and asked how about next spring. Unfazed, she asked how about next month. We got my paperwork approved in less then two weeks.

November 2000 – I was initiated into AOII and I have been so happy. It is ironic because when my local was founded, AOII was at the top of the list.