If you want to go Greek but can't....

[Tink16]

Hey everybody,

First off I wasn't too sure where to put this thread, but I figured it was alright here. I haven't posted all that much, but I've visited GC everyday this summer. I've read several posts about people (mostly by gals) about how they want to go Greek but their parents don't support it for some reason or another. I am one of those people--or was.

Here's my story. Before I went to college I dated a guy in a fraternity. Although he was a family friend, some of his behavior helped to color my families' opinion of the Greeks at the college where I was going to attend in the fall. I never really considered going greek nor did he influence my decision at all. Anyway, through him I met some of his brothers and their girlfriends. Everyone (i mean everyone) was so awesome with me, even after we broke up. About a month into school one of the girls (who is now one of my friends) invited me to a COB event with her sorority. After spending the day with these great ladies, I wanted to join and was offered a bid. I signed it, but when I told my family they totally freaked out. (Actually signing it was a great move even though i didn't become a pledge because the bid is good for a full year)There was a big fight and I ended up not joining. The girls totally understood and for the next semester we all kept in touch.

January rolled around and I was reminded that my bid was still good. I brought the subject up again with my family, but although there wasn't a huge fight like in the fall, I was really really really discouraged to join--so i didn't. It was hard because I was dating another Greek (hey they just happen to be greek, hehe) so I was constantly exposed to Greek life. I still wanted to join this sorority.

When this summer came, I came to the decision that I didn't want to wait any longer to join XYZ sorority. I started checking out GC, went to the national and local websites, etc researching everything that related to fraternities and sororities. I then began putting together an informational booklet. Well, it wasn't really a booklet cause it came out to about 25 pages. It included a section on greek life at my university, famous greeks, advantages on going greek, info on the local and national XYZ sorority,an "interview" from the VP of XYZ sorority,etc, and a proposal. It took me a while to find all the info and organize it, but i was finally finished with it.

I was kinda nervous (no reaallly nervous) to present this to my family because of their feelings about me going greek. But I sucked it up (actually i did this while we were visiting some family friends so maybe the result wouldn't be sooo bad. lol) and presented. Anyway, the end result was positive. I will be able to join this semester! Of course I have to bring my grades up (my cumul. GPA is 3.4) and have to pay for all the dues myself which is fine with me.

I hope that my story inspires and gives hope to those PNMs whose families aren't too happy about them going greek. I waited a year to observe and research and made the best decision I could. Ijust think that its a great idea to put together infomation that could be helpful to your cause.

I'm so excited to be going Greek this fall!!!

[aggieAXO]

wow-what a great story. Have fun with your new sisters! -the sorority you join will be lucky to have such a determined and well spoken individual.

[CutiePie2000]

What a wonderful story! It sounds like you handled yourself like a pro with your family, and while you will have to pay your dues yourself, there is something satisfying about paying your own way in your sorority!

Great job and the sorority that gets you for a member will be very lucky!

[justamom]

I am so happy things worked out for you! What a wonderful idea! Presenting the informaton to your family shows a lot of imagination and incentive. Who knows how many readers of GC you helped who are facing the same dilema.

[Serenity]

Congratulations!! Your family must've been so impressed with all your effort and determination. You're going to be a huge asset to the sorority you join.

[carnation]

Tink, I am totally impressed by your determination and perseverance! I can't wait to hear the story of your life as a Greek unfold!

[dzrose93]

Tink16,

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I hope that other potential Greeks in families with anti-Greek sentiment will be encouraged by your success! Sometimes people just need to be shown the positive side of Greek Life in order to help them overlook their pre-conceived notions.

Good luck with pledging this semester. Please let us know how things are going!

[aephi alum]

What a great story! Glad you persevered.

I was in a situation not too dissimilar... I pledged a local sorority, then called my parents to let them know, and that was how I found out my dad was anti-greek. He tried to convince me to depledge, but I just told him that it was my decision to make and that I would be paying my own dues, and that was that. (I think he was concerned about hazing. I reassured him that I would depledge immediately if I were hazed, but I never was.)

My mom, on the other hand, was very excited that I'd joined a sorority - something she never had a chance to do.

[Tink16]

I hope that my story did help people that are facing the same dilemma, especially with school just around the corner. I think it did impress them--at the least it made them see that this wasn't a fly by night decision.

Like I said I'm just soooooo excited about this!! And BTW, everyone is so nice and supportive on here. Its great

[wvapogirl]

I wanted to join a sorority in college, but my parents couldn't afford it, and my mother discouraged me from joining because one of my cousins had been in a frat at the same school and had had a bad experience. My roommate went greek, and I saw how much she loved it, and saw what I was missing . I transfered schools and joined Alpha Phi Omega (which was okay with my mom, because it was fine money-wise and was a service frat and not a social)... but I still wanted to be in a sisterhood. There were two sororities on campus, and I rushed twice (sophomore and senior years), and got bids both times, but neither group felt right to me at that time, so I missed out on having sisters at college. But my story has a happy ending... I am now in the process of becoming a pledge of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority! I guess everything works out the way it's supposed to in the end!

[FuzzieAlum]

Congrats! So what sorority?

[Tom Earp]

Congrats to you and fine Organization that was fortunante to have you as a member!
Another Fledgling has flown the nest spread its wings and found that what a lot of people are afraid of is really pretty damn good!

You will learn how to do more things enjoy more things, budget your time study harder than the normal student!

We as Current and Alumni hope the very best for you in your future years of life!



Welcome !!!!!!!!!

[AGDLynn]

Congrats! I think the "booklet" is a great idea!!