Resigning/Disaffiliating... Help!!

[gagirl90]

Hey yall!
I have a question about resigning from my national GLO and would love your insight especially if you have been through the same thing.

I rushed last year (as a freshman, and we have deferred rush) and pledged a house that seemed like really chill girls. Now all anyone cares about is becoming more top tier (to be honest we're one of the less popular houses on campus but still have great girls and meet quota) and portraying this Suzie sorority overachiever stereotype, which is so not me. Yes I have a great resume, but I don't need to flaunt it! I feel ostracized the majority of the time for not fitting in well with the girls in the house and feel like a black sheep. I am also unpopular with our exec board and standards board because I am THAT girl who is not intimidated by their authority and will defend myself when necessary.

Because of certain events and prior sentiments, I have considered resigning and would love insight into this situation from anyone, especially if you have been through anything similar. I know these girls are not healthy for my self esteem or mental health (I have been depressed from incidents in my sorority and have sought therapy to talk about the way sisters are treating me) but I am scared to be an independent at a greek-heavy sec school - I don't want to feel left out. Also I always wanted to be part of an alum group when I'm older..
Please help! Tell me about the decisions you made and how they worked out.
Thanks everyone!

[Ggirl617]

I would see if you can maybe get your and your sisters intentions and aspirations to potentially align. When you say they are all about becoming top tier, think about that. Aren't the aspects of a top tier group positive? Involved in campus, outstanding philanthropy hours and top fundraising, great parties and fraternity relations AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, chill great girls! I do not know the details of the situation concerning the accusations against you but I would worry about clearing that up before you decide to do anything. If you have not done anything wrong, you need to clear your name ASAP. After that I would focus on the first part of my post. It seems the other girls are trying to improve the chapter (not saying there is anything wrong just reiterating what you have said) and why wouldn't that be a good thing in your eyes? Just my opinion

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by gagirl90

Hey yall!
I have a question about resigning from my national GLO and would love your insight especially if you have been through the same thing.

I rushed last year (as a freshman, and we have deferred rush) and pledged a house that seemed like really chill girls. Now all anyone cares about is becoming more top tier (to be honest we're one of the less popular houses on campus but still have great girls and meet quota) and portraying this Suzie sorority overachiever stereotype, which is so not me. Yes I have a great resume, but I don't need to flaunt it! I feel ostracized the majority of the time for not fitting in well with the girls in the house and feel like a black sheep. I am also unpopular with our exec board and standards board because I am THAT girl who will speak up when something isn't right and I am not intimidated by their authority and will defend myself when necessary.
Recently, I have been accused of some illegal activities that I did NOT do, yet our standards board has seen it fit to put my membership under question and watch me like big brother despite my denial. Forget looking for evidence, I have seen that they will turn on me in a second from one rumor! Worst: the girls were not even concerned for my wellbeing or health if the rumor were true, they only cared about the negative image I seem to portray on them (lets forget for a second how devastated I might be about my reputation, no need to comfort me like sisters). Furthermore, according to our bylaws, if I were not in letters, at an XYZ event or otherwise blatantly representing the chapter, I cannot be punished by standards for my actions. Even if the allegations were true, my sisters were wrong for taking disciplinary actions!
Because of this event and prior sentiments, I have considered resigning and would love insight into this situation from anyone, especially if you have been through anything similar. I know these girls are not healthy for my self esteem or mental health (I have been through awful depression from incidents in my sorority and have sought therapy) but I am scared to be an independent at a greek-heavy sec school - I don't want to feel left out. Also I always wanted to be part of an alum group when I'm older..
Please help! Tell me about the decisions you made and how they worked out.
Thanks everyone!

My opinion: Talk to someone you can trust regarding the situation.

Alot of times, people come to the internet already KNOWING what they want to do, and looking for validation of their decisions (ex: looking for us to be like "OMG your sisters are sooooo mean.")

We aren't going to do that. You need to make the decision for yourself.

[gagirl90]

No I see where you are coming from, and my motto for recruitment is to strive to find girls that make me want to be a better version of myself (oh and hunting for a little! lol)
But when I say obsessed with being top tier, I overheard so many girls talking sh*t about other girls based on looks/popularity/etc. There were many comments on ranking cards (I don't think this recruitment info is too top secret lol) about looks and who hangs out where. Littereally, one girl came up to me before a round and said "OMG the girl you have hangs with guys in XYZ frat. Make her want us" (Naturally we did not get along and she pledged the right glo for her instead of me trying to lie about reasons she should join us) And as for the overachieving thing, no one pushes us to improve ourselves- it's all about the friggin image!
That is what I can't stand, that people care more about reputation than sisterhood. And I go to a cutthroat SEC school with the rich and gorgeous- "top tier" is about the frats you mix with and the labels on your clothes
However yes I do admire the prominent student org leaders and community service leaders in our house. I just wish that could be the focus instead of this cookie cutter "good involved girl" image. Just because I don't walk around with my resume on my shirt doesn't mean I'm not an asset, and just because I stand up for myself doesn't mean I should be treated like I'm not wanted.
Should I go to nationals about this or something??

[gagirl90]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

My opinion: Talk to someone you can trust regarding the situation.

Alot of times, people come to the internet already KNOWING what they want to do, and looking for validation of their decisions (ex: looking for us to be like "OMG your sisters are sooooo mean.")

We aren't going to do that. You need to make the decision for yourself.

Right, thanks so much
I was more looking for advice from someone who has been through something similar and thoughts/regrets/positive outcomes of their decisions.

And the last post about reevaluating becoming "top tier" really helped. It just seems like people lose sight of what is important in that.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by gagirl90

No I see where you are coming from, and my motto for recruitment is to strive to find girls that make me want to be a better version of myself (oh and hunting for a little! lol)
But when I say obsessed with being top tier, I overheard so many girls talking sh*t about other girls based on looks/popularity/etc. There were many comments on ranking cards (I don't think this recruitment info is too top secret lol) about looks and who hangs out where. Littereally, one girl came up to me before a round and said "OMG the girl you have hangs with guys in XYZ frat. Make her want us" (Naturally we did not get along and she pledged the right glo for her instead of me trying to lie about reasons she should join us) And as for the overachieving thing, no one pushes us to improve ourselves- it's all about the friggin image!
That is what I can't stand, that people care more about reputation than sisterhood. And I go to a cutthroat SEC school with the rich and gorgeous- "top tier" is about the frats you mix with and the labels on your clothes
but yes I do admire the student body president and community service leaders in our house. I just wish that could be the focus instead of this cookie cutter "good involved girl" image. Just because I don't walk around with my resume on my shirt doesn't mean I'm not an asset, and just because I stand up for myself doesn't mean I should be treated like I'm not wanted.
Should I go to nationals about this or something??

You go to an SEC school. Typically, there chapters at those schools are quite large.

I find it hard to believe that you cannot find one or 2 girls you can trust to discuss your feelings.

I'm sorry, but coming here and talking badly about them and making them sound like image obsessed freaks doesn't make you look better.

[gagirl90]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

You go to an SEC school. Typically, there chapters at those schools are quite large.

I find it hard to believe that you cannot find one or 2 girls you can trust to discuss your feelings.

I'm sorry, but coming here and talking badly about them and making them sound like image obsessed freaks doesn't make you look better.

I'm not trying to do that. I don't think they're freaks. I do think they are more concerned with image than I am, and have different priorities than I about their college experience. I'm not trying to bash them but to ask for advice on people's experience disaffiliating, I should give background.
Considering most of my friends are nongreek, and I am the only Greek in my family, it is hard to find an unbiased but informed opinion. And like I said, the girls I am closest with are the graduating seniors (who should have no effect on my choice since they'll be gone) or a few girls in my PC that are not very involved (Our chapter is only about 150 total since our quota is usually btwn 40-50, we have deferred rush, and a fair amount of girls drop, compared to others) I also find this inappropriate to discuss with my little or the other freshman I am close with- what a load to bear right after being initiated!!!
I'm sorry, maybe we have different opinions about how I should ask for advice but I discovered this board and thought it would be useful. Maybe you aren't the right person to answer this, though I appreciate your input. Hopefully someone who can relate to the scenario will stumble upon this.
Thanks anyways for your help so far!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by gagirl90

Should I go to nationals about this or something??

No. The only way they could see what you say is happening is if they come there and live in the house undercover or something. They're not going to come down on a chapter that is looking good on paper because of one dissenter, especially if the chapter has been kind of on the bottom in the past. To be fair, they've probably been getting hammered with the whole "lower tier" label from all sides for ages (as in 10+ years) and are just deciding to fight fire with fire. When you do that, sometimes it takes a while before you can reconcile your emotions and values with your actions.

It honestly sounds like if you had joined a sorority at a small college with a small Greek system you'd be having a wonderful time. However, you choose your college for academics first and the Greek system, well, you get what you get.

Sit down and make a pro and con list of staying in or self-terminating - include things like costs, living situation, etc. If one side's longer than the other, and you STILL want to do the opposite - that's your heart talking. Listen to it. Good luck

[gagirl90]

Originally Posted by 33girl

No. The only way they could see what you say is happening is if they come there and live in the house undercover or something. They're not going to come down on a chapter that is looking good on paper because of one dissenter, especially if the chapter has been kind of on the bottom in the past. To be fair, they've probably been getting hammered with the whole "lower tier" label from all sides for ages (as in 10+ years) and are just deciding to fight fire with fire. When you do that, sometimes it takes a while before you can reconcile your emotions and values with your actions.

It honestly sounds like if you had joined a sorority at a small college with a small Greek system you'd be having a wonderful time. However, you choose your college for academics first and the Greek system, well, you get what you get.

Sit down and make a pro and con list of staying in or self-terminating - include things like costs, living situation, etc. If one side's longer than the other, and you STILL want to do the opposite - that's your heart talking. Listen to it. Good luck

This is great advice! Thanks! I will do that and hope the right choice comes out... I think just from going through things in my head I already know what I'll end up doing..

[als463]

Originally Posted by gagirl90

I'm not trying to do that. I don't think they're freaks. I do think they are more concerned with image than I am, and have different priorities than I about their college experience. I'm not trying to bash them but to ask for advice on people's experience disaffiliating, I should give background.
Considering most of my friends are nongreek, and I am the only Greek in my family, it is hard to find an unbiased but informed opinion. And like I said, the girls I am closest with are the graduating seniors (who should have no effect on my choice since they'll be gone) or a few girls in my PC that are not very involved (Our chapter is only about 150 total since our quota is usually btwn 40-50, we have deferred rush, and a fair amount of girls drop, compared to others) I also find this inappropriate to discuss with my little or the other freshman I am close with- what a load to bear right after being initiated!!!
I'm sorry, maybe we have different opinions about how I should ask for advice but I discovered this board and thought it would be useful. Maybe you aren't the right person to answer this, though I appreciate your input. Hopefully someone who can relate to the scenario will stumble upon this.
Thanks anyways for your help so far!

You realize that by saying you attend an SEC school, with the name GA girl, and talking about respecting the Student Body President in your chapter, even though you aren't a "top tier" chapter on campus, it took me seconds to know what school and what sorority. I'm horrible at these types of searches (compared to other seasoned GCers) and I have to say that by giving out information about yourself, you will be lucky if the ladies in your chapter find out who you are and get upset that you blasted their dirty laundry on Greek Chat. You totally put your chapter on blast. Discretion is key.

You should consider yourself blessed to be a member of an NPC at an SEC school (or any school, for that matter). If you think you are above these girls and don't want to stay, don't stay. They took a chance on you and now you are ready to drop them. Wow! So much for sisterhood.

And for the record, your chapter may not be top on your campus, but I am here to tell you that it is a great sorority. Have some allegiance to the women who gave you a bid.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by als463

You realize that by saying you attend an SEC school, with the name GA girl, and talking about respecting the Student Body President in your chapter, even though you aren't a "top tier" chapter on campus, it took me seconds to know what school and what sorority. I'm horrible at these types of searches (compared to other seasoned GCers) and I have to say that by giving out information about yourself, you will be lucky if the ladies in your chapter find out who you are and get upset that you blasted their dirty laundry on Greek Chat. You totally put your chapter on blast. Discretion is key.

You should consider yourself blessed to be a member of an NPC at an SEC school (or any school, for that matter). If you think you are above these girls and don't want to stay, don't stay. They took a chance on you and now you are ready to drop them. Wow! So much for sisterhood.

And for the record, your chapter may not be top on your campus, but I am here to tell you that it is a great sorority. Have some allegiance to the women who gave you a bid.

The only SEC school in Georgia doesn't do deferred recruitment, so she isn't being that obvious. Also she didn't say Student Body president, but members of student government, and there are lots of those from all kinds of groups. If it is like my school that could be the person who is on a committee to bring musical acts and one of 100 people, and there is a full Greek representation.

gagril90-
You mentioned having some emotional issues, and you've sought help. Keep doing that with professionals and don't take it personally if your sisters don't get as involved as you expect them to. Sometimes people really don't see another needs help, can't emotionally deal with it, or have the same issue and helping you makes them face it. It isn't that sisters cannot be supportive and a great resource, but use the campus professionals like the health and counseling center and I commend you for admitting you have issues and that you've gotten help. Many people are in denial or refuse to do something about it and you've done the hardest part. Maybe taking care of "you" will help you see the perspective of your chapter and you'll learn a better way to address issues or get to the heart of the matter.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

gagril90-
You mentioned having some emotional issues, and you've sought help. Keep doing that with professionals and don't take it personally if your sisters don't get as involved as you expect them to. Sometimes people really don't see another needs help, can't emotionally deal with it, or have the same issue and helping you makes them face it. It isn't that sisters cannot be supportive and a great resource, but use the campus professionals like the health and counseling center and I commend you for admitting you have issues and that you've gotten help. Many people are in denial or refuse to do something about it and you've done the hardest part. Maybe taking care of "you" will help you see the perspective of your chapter and you'll learn a better way to address issues or get to the heart of the matter.

This.

Don't think they're being insensitive if they don't respond in the way you'd like them to. Often, people get upset because those around them aren't immediately recognizing that they're having a hard time with something. But they're not trained professionals and sometimes they don't get it. It's not that they do not care about you.

[gagirl90]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

gagril90-
You mentioned having some emotional issues, and you've sought help. Keep doing that with professionals and don't take it personally if your sisters don't get as involved as you expect them to. Sometimes people really don't see another needs help, can't emotionally deal with it, or have the same issue and helping you makes them face it. It isn't that sisters cannot be supportive and a great resource, but use the campus professionals like the health and counseling center and I commend you for admitting you have issues and that you've gotten help. Many people are in denial or refuse to do something about it and you've done the hardest part. Maybe taking care of "you" will help you see the perspective of your chapter and you'll learn a better way to address issues or get to the heart of the matter.

I know this sounds like I have to be crazy/exaggerating but no way could I make this up. Yes I also had these problems with the sorority and feeling unwanted before hand, and no my sisters wrongfully accusing me of illegal actions is completely unrelated.

You know, just to get the whole story out there. And to those who have provided helpful insight thank you. To those who just want to figure out my chapter and school, have fun with it because I really don't care if you find out. I havent given too much info, so if you take the time to google, that is kind of creepy.

Edit: Sorry I am unclear... basically the first half of this post was to explain that my emotional "issues" stem from sisters in the first place.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by gagirl90

I know this sounds like I have to be crazy/exaggerating but no way could I make this up.

BIG SNIP

You know, just to get the whole story out there. And to those who have provided helpful insight thank you. To those who just want to figure out my chapter and school, have fun with it because I really don't care if you find out. I havent given too much info, so if you take the time to google, that is kind of creepy.

I'm not quoting your whole post so you can delete or edit if you want.

Obviously that is a stressful situation, and KSUViolet and I (her more than me) have background in mental health and some people are probably not coping well either, and please don't dismiss your whole chapter because of a few people and their issues. I think everyone on this board can relate to a time when something really made them mad and frustrated with their brothers and sisters to the point of considering ending their membership for some, and an incident as you explained can make things escalate and so many times a stressful situation can trigger other issues and make other things happen.

Talk to a sister you trust, and maybe an alumna but if you're just looking to get things out that could backfire if she decides to take action. This is why we're suggesting an uninvolved professional who can be more neutral. Just talking to someone and organizing your thoughts can be therapeutic and beneficial. Hopefully spring break is soon and you'll be able to get away and get some perspective.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by gagirl90

You know, just to get the whole story out there. And to those who have provided helpful insight thank you. To those who just want to figure out my chapter and school, have fun with it because I really don't care if you find out. I havent given too much info, so if you take the time to google, that is kind of creepy.

Edit: Sorry I am unclear... basically the first half of this post was to explain that my emotional "issues" stem from sisters in the first place.

I am really unsure of what you hope to gain by posting this.

We have given you genuinue advice.

I don't know if you're trying to get us to see "wow look what meanies these girls are" or what.

Billions of people use Google everyday. There's nothing creepy about it.

It's creepier that you would post such a personal situation on the internet, saying that this is your "close friend" you were dealing with.

If you are having issues, get some help. But there is no need to post about this situation on a message board knowing that it's a personal matter that I'm sure she wouldn't want the entire free world to know about.