Paraphernalia question

[RockChalk]

Last fall, I rushed the ZTA colony at my school but didn't join. I didn't think I had any ZTA stuff until I was doing some cleaning and found a pen. It's nothing terribly special, just a turquoise Bic with "ZTA Zeta Tau Alpha" written on it in gray letters. What should I do with it? I never use it because the letters written on it aren't mine. I don't know any Zetas IRL who I could give it to. Should I put it up on eBay? To me, it doesn't seem like the sort of thing people would want to bid on.

[pinkyphimu]

personally, it is just a pen, so go ahead and use it! if you feel like people are going to think you are a sister, then don't bring it to classes. who cares....it is just one pen! lots of businesses give pens and pencils out as ways to promote themselves. i still use pens with my last school's name on them at my new school. don't stress!

[Blue Violet]

it's just a pen. I really couldn't imagine anyone getting upset over it. If some one asks you if you're a Zeta just say no, I just found this pen. If the person asking you is a Zeta, you could offer it to her. But really don't stress.

[Sahara]

I think you should either throw it out, or drop it in their mailbox. If you are seen using the pen, someone may think that you are being disrespectful to that organization. Though the pen is not a big deal, the letters are.

[LeslieAGD]

Use the pen but, if you're worried about someone having an issue with it, maybe just keep it at home...don't take it to class with you.

[winnieb]

You could probably get away with using it--- when ZTA expanded onto KU's campus they make a huge publicity push-- I know they passed out buttons with "ZTA" on them to all the other houses on campus--you are probably okay... but if you feel odd using it-- throw it away or leave it laying around somewhere--library, union, etc.

-wendi

[RockChalk]

Originally posted by alphagam-alum
if you feel odd using it-- throw it away or leave it laying around somewhere--library, union, etc.

That's a good idea. I'm not in school right now, so I don't have to worry about anybody seeing me use it in class. When I return to KU next January, maybe I'll "accidentally" leave it laying around in a public place and maybe a Zeta will pick it up.

[starang21]

Originally posted by Sahara
I think you should either throw it out, or drop it in their mailbox. If you are seen using the pen, someone may think that you are being disrespectful to that organization. Though the pen is not a big deal, the letters are.

i agree....the fact that there are letters that are not yours means that it's (the pen) not yours.

[RockChalk]

Originally posted by starang21
i agree....the fact that there are letters that are not yours means that it's (the pen) not yours.

And that is precisely why I want to get rid of the pen.

[enlightenment06]

just don't put it on ebay cuz then anyone can get it

[sugar and spice]

Originally posted by starang21
i agree....the fact that there are letters that are not yours means that it's (the pen) not yours.

I think this may be one of the fundamental differences between the NPC and the NPHC . . . I can't see any NPC sorority girl getting mad if they saw you using a pen with their letters on it. But if you're really worried about it, just keep it at home, don't take it to class.

[radioZTA]

Originally posted by enlightenment06
just don't put it on ebay cuz then anyone can get it

That's VERY funny!

[Little E]

Why don't you just cover the letters up with stickers or tape or something like that if you actually like the pen. I think you are worrying too much about this.

Originally posted by Sahara
Though the pen is not a big deal, the letters are.

I agree with those who said to put it in Zeta's mailbox or leave it somewhere where a Zeta is likely to notice it.

Personally, as much as my sorority could use recognition, I wouldn't be pleased to see a non-member using something with my letters on it, even if it is something as measly as a pen. If it was written out, it would be different... but not actual letters.

[CutiePie2000]

Originally posted by RockChalk
Last fall, I rushed the ZTA colony at my school but didn't join. I didn't think I had any ZTA stuff until I was doing some cleaning and found a pen.

As an NPC person (and you are asking about an NPC group), I really wouldn't stress about it. It was obviously given to you as a gift at that colony presentation as a "promo item", so I would use it whenever and wherever you please. If someone says, "Are you a Zeta?", just say, "no, I went to a ZTA function but did not end up joining..they gave me this pen as a gift".

I don't think every single person who would have checked ou that Zeta colony ended up pledging so there are probably lots of Zeta pens out there with non-Zeta owners.

I also wanted to mention that when Delta Gamma is colonizing at a campus, they blitz everywhere with "Decide DG" pins and buttons. Lots of non-DGs wear these buttons (i.e. other NPC women to show "Greek Unity", Fraternity men to show Greek Unity and even would-be pledges). So I would think a pen falls on the same lines.

I also like the "just use it at home" advice. That's works too...it's all good.

The End.