What made you choose AOII?

[AOIIalum]

I saw this topic elsewhere, and thought it would be a great way to start some discussion going here. I love hearing why others chose to join our Fraternity!

My road to AOII was a bit unconventional, but I'm glad it worked that way. I had registered for formal (rush) recruitment and was all set to rush. I'd asked for the week off work and had it granted, but when the week came around my boss gave some half-hearted reason why I couldn't have the time off and threatened to fire me if I took the time. Too bad I was so young and naive, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten away with it!!!

I missed formal recruitment but still got invites to COB parties by two of the three sororities not at campus total, AOII and AB. I knew a couple of the AB's then, and I just couldn't see myself being in the same sorority as these girls. Needless to say, I never went to AB (although I had a few friends there after these girls left school.)

I went to an AOII COB and was blown away, everyone was so friendly! AOII had just been chartered the semester before, so the chapter was still small and growing, establishing their name on the campus. It turned out that one of the sisters had known of me in HS via another club we'd been in. She'd been lobbying big time for me (and ended up as my big sis) and the chapter had been upset when I didn't come through formal. My mom had (and still has!) arthritis, so having arthritis as our philanthropy had a personal connection. I liked joining a group where I could make a difference and leave a legacy...corny but true. It felt great to know I was WANTED because they felt they knew who I was, and not just to fill a number (it still took almost another full year to finally hit campus total!) I got a bid the next day and decided to go for it, even though I had just met everyone. It took me days to remember we were we were Alpha OMICRON Pi and not Alpha OMEGA Pi and that us being a Fraternity didn't mean we had guys too, LOL!

Almost 20 years after my formal pledging, I'm still so happy and proud to be a member of AOII.

Roses,
Christin