Ok, I know it is a tough decision, but there are good things and bad things that come with everything in life. The difference and decision behind everything is whether the good outweighs the bad. This past fall semester has been my best semester with Alpha Phi by far. However last spring semester I was in your boat. I hated Alpha Phi on my campus or my chapter. While I still promoted Greek Life with a positive image, and held up to the ideals, values, and morals of Alpha Phi, I was not happy with how my chapter was operating. Many things were going on, and some people had exceptions being made while others had to suffer. I seriously wanted to drop, and I was incredibly depressed that everytime I walked into the house or a function my day just did a 180. I would start to cry and ask myself why I am sticking through it. I did not want to drop and I love Alpha Phi, so I decided the best option would be for me to go associate this semester. I was associate this past semester and will be active in the Spring again. I ended up attending every single event and participating in everything that even an active would not be required to be at. I missed 1.5 events total. I missed half of an event due to my pant's ripping, oooooooops! And the other event due to getting stuck with a friend in another town due to car trouble and stuff beyond our control. Needless to say I wanted to be there but sometimes you just can't help it. Because I was so involved this past semester, and went to all the Rush Events I had to purchase all the shirts which alone on top of my associate dues cost me more that active dues in the end especially when y add the cost of sisterhood and everything else added in. I also chose to run for a Panhellenic Exec position and I got it! I'm so excited to be Director of PR for Panhellenic this year! The only downside is that I have to be disaffiliated next fall
. But I love my sisters and would not trade them or Alpha Phi for anything. Now we have a new exec and everyone has new positions in the house, I say give it a chance, and I probably would wait to go associate in the fall, because that is when it is more expensive, at least for our chapter. Stay active this spring, and don't forget that the spring is always less busy then the fall meaning you will have more time to yourself. Stick it out cause it will be well worth it in the end. AOE and Love Always, Nikki - email me if you need to talk more!