Dropping or Early Alum?? help!

[vt51107]

I apologize if this is a little long. I joined a sorority at beginning of this quarter during informal recruitment. I started formal rush last fall, but it was too overwhelming and I wasn't sure if GL was for me so I quit after the first day. I decided to join GL this quarter in order to meet some more people because I can be shy and have trouble meeting people outside of class.

I wished I could have done a formal recruitment but I'm a sophomore so they next formal would be fall my junior year. I joined the sorority I did mainly because my mother was in it and I knew of a few girls already in it. It was exciting at first having things to do, but now it's getting to the point where the meetings and other events are more of a chore than something I enjoy going to. I don't enjoy going to socials because I quit drinking a few months ago and the socials are just a late night drunken party. I don't really like the other girls in my pledge class that much since their main focus in life is drinking and hooking up with random guys. There are a few girls I like, but like I said, I'm shy so it takes me a while to have a good friendship with people. A part of me wonders what it would be like in another sorority and if I made the right decision... is this normal??

Anyways, so while I'm not miserable, I'm not having the time of my life. The problem is I'm thinking about transferring schools next year. The school I'm looking at does not have my sorority. I'm hesitant to stay and pay around $800-$1000 for 20 weeks of involvement. If I transfer would I be able to get early alumni status even if I was only active for 1 quarter? Or should I just drop now before becoming initiated to save myself the money since I'm not in love with GL right now.

Sorry for the length, any input would be greatly appreciated!!

[KSUViolet06]

I'm not sure about the Alumna Status thing, because every sorority has a different policy on it. Some don't offer it at all. There are some who require you to have been an active member in good standing for a certain number of years or semesters before being considered for it.

[aephi alum]

I'm assuming this is an NPC sorority and you are still a new member.

You have four choices.

1. Be initiated, and then transfer. Since the school you're considering transferring to doesn't have a chapter of your sorority, you will become an alumna when you transfer.

2. Depledge, and then transfer. If you do this, you will no longer be a member of the sorority you're pledging now - but you will be eligible to go through NPC recruitment at your new school and perhaps join a chapter there.

3. Depledge, and don't transfer. If you do this, you will no longer be a member of the sorority you're pledging now. You can rush again after one year has passed. Not knowing your school, I can't tell you whether re-rushing would work out, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

4. Be initiated, and then don't transfer. Whether you can then go early alum is up to the sorority.

[Leslie Anne]

aephi alum really put your options in a nutshell.

Maybe Greek life isn't for you. OR Maybe it is and you'll just never get out of it what most do. That's not to say that you can't get a lot out of it regardless.

I'm shy too and getting drunk and hooking up wasn't my thing either when I was a collegian. I found different aspects of the sorority more fulfilling. You might find that another sorority would fit you better but I wouldn't put your hopes up too high. Every sorority is going to have socials and there are always going to be partiers. Perhaps you can find your own niche. Holding office is a great way to get a lot out of the experience. Maybe your philanthropy can offer you some ways to get more involved.

Good luck whatever you choose to do.