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

[AOPiTerp]

This is a great thread. I also went through formal recruitment... one of the greatest yet most frustrating experiences EVER. I was completely consumed with it. I told myself I would go through rush with an open mind, and I wouldn't listen to my guy friends who all thought they "knew" which chapter would be best for me. The only person I confided in was my best friend from home that went to a different school, and he knew how to be positive and encourage me, rather than listen to stereotypes. He was awesome. Well, I had a blast, and there were 3 chapters that really stood out to me all through rush. After preference, I was so confused. I had met wonderful women who I had a blast with at all 3 houses. It took me forever to sign my rank card, but everyone had told me that I would end up where I belonged, and I knew I could fit in at any of the chapters. I kick myself now because I didn't rank AOII first, because I can't imagine being in a more wonderful place with a more incredible group of women. When I got the bid to AOII I was excited and a little nervous. When we went to where the Rho Chis did revealing, I was scared because none of my close friends were going to AOII. But when my Rho Chi, who I loved and was SOOO cool revealed she was an AOII, I knew I had ended up in the right house. Everyday during my new member period I fell more in love with AOII (yes, it sounds cheesy, but it's true. I'm there girl that cries at EVERY ceremony... like preference, all three times, it was terrible at the third one when the seniors started to cry. Mascara was everywhere. Don't even get me started with ritual. I don't wear make up to that.) Well, that's my story. Not too exciting, but I am so happy with how everything worked out, and so proud of my chapter.

[AOcutiePiPKT]

I went through formal recruitment as a Tri Delta legacy. I was bound and determined I was going Tri Delta. It came time for Preference party invitations to come out, and because I thought AOTT hated me I dropped them attending the parties for Phi Mu and Tri Delt. I cried so hard at the Tri Delt party, because it was so emotional. I suicided on my bid card Tri Delt. The next day when bids came out I received what they call a snap bid for AOTT. I wanted to run out on bid day to someone so I decided to take my bid and then see if things got better. When my new sisters were finally comfortable in their own skin with their horrible year of recruitment behind them all the fun began. I wouldn't trade them for Tri Delta anyday now. I think though I had to want Tri Delta so bad to appreciate what I have now.

[Jonnelle]

I have to say that I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of AOII!

Last night was my initiation at the Nu Omicron chapter (along with another beautiful young lady, Olivia).

Did I mention I was excited???

Anyway, I was initiated as an alumna member - my undergrad university only had local soroities until my senior year, when I did go through formal rush but was not offered a bid because I was a senior.

When I began working at Vanderbilt and meeting many different people in different sororities and fraternities, I began to investigate each one and what, if any, alumnae initiate policies they had.

Long story, short - MA, a fellow classmate - had just joined AOII and agreed to be my big sis after 2 years of moving from sponsor to sponsor (that's what happens when people move) and got the paperwork through in no time. MA rocks!

Why did I chose AOII over the others? First and foremost, everyone I met was beyond nice, very helpful, and treated me like a sister before I was officially a sister. The ideals that AOII were founded on very closely matched my own. It is as if I was a part of AOII, in spirit, before yesterday.

I am looking forward to many happy years with AOII!

Roses,
Jonnelle

[AOIIalum]

The ideals that AOII were founded on very closely matched my own. It is as if I was a part of AOII, in spirit, before yesterday.

What a beautiful sentiment, Jonnelle. Congratulations on your initiation (and to Olivia too!)

We're all alumnae members decades longer than we're collegians, so I think the fact we have alumnae initiation is awesome!

Roses,
Christin

[AOII_Luv]

I did not go through formal rush. Honestly, I didn't even know that rush was going on until certain parties has already passed and it was in the paper! I didn't live in the dorms, but then again, I pretty much did since I stayed with my best friend all the time!
Anyway, I was babysitting for a woman who went to the Univeristy of Evansville. Downstairs, in the entertainment area, she had her composites and paddles hanging on the wall. I would just look at it to see all the "old" people! One day, she had a To Dragma laying out and I just read the cover and left it at that.
Before Christmas vacation, there was a small ad in the school paper to come to the information session that Alpha Omicron Pi was having. I didn't have anything to do at that time, so I went! I just remember thinking that this was probablt the sorority that Anita was in. As we walked in the door, the women had us sign up for an interview session. I didn't want to, but I thought it couldn't hurt.
The presentation was awesome! Everyone was so nice to all the girls that came to listen. They didn't mind answering my goofy questions...I had NO idea what the greek system was all about!
I came back from Christmas break all pumped for my interview! I had my interview on a Tuesday...with Rosalie Barber! She was so cool! We had such a good conversation, but I didn't think that I really stuck out in her mind.
They gave us a paper that told us when to come back...day and time...to receive the information on whether or not we would be asked to become members. We were to return on Thursday. I went and the line was huge! Turns out that over 400 girls interviewed to become members. But, only 150 bids were given.
I was at the end of the line and heard girls talking. They said that when you get your turn to go in the room, they give you a small envelope. The girls in the room already know who received a bid and they would ask you to stay in the room and open it. I got in there, told them my name, received my envelope, and began to walk towards the door as to open it outside. Then I hear, "Courtney...why don't you open that in here!" I knew what was going on! I opened it and sure enough..."You are invited to be member of Alpha Omicron Pi!" I started to cry! This was just too awesome!
I called my dad on the cell and told him. He acted as if he had no clue what was going on! "Dad, I got in!" His reply, "You got into what?" I was just so happy! I could not believe it! Never, ever did I think I would be in a sorority...and they picked me! I knew this was the best decision!

[AOII*Azra-elle]

Well, when I transferred to UNC I didn't know anyone but a girl I had gone to school with here in Casper. All that I had heard about sororities was hazing and bad stuff you see on tv. So, when I got to UNC my friend had talked me into rushing with her, although I was reluctant. As soon as I walked into the place where the AOII chapter was *we didn't have a house yet* I clicked with the ladies. It was completely different from the other houses and refreshing and I loved it. When Pref Tea came around I didn't really think that I would even get a bid. When I picked up my bid on 9/11/01 I was ecstatic! A week later when we were introduced to our chapters my PX revealed that she was an AOII and it was great b/c she's so cool! I loved the first year *which I've just completed* doing homecoming, and spring rush, helping with our house when we did finally get it, and just getting to know these ladies and knowing that I'll have these friendships for a lifetime. It's amazing and I'm proud to be an AOII!

[pandarose18]

I started school with no intentions of going through recruitment/rush but several of my friends convinced me that it would be a good way to meet more people so I decided to do it. I still was not planning on joining a sorority because I knew VERY little about the greek system. The girls of AOII (Lambda Chi) won me over! They made me feel so comfortable at the parties and they were "real" not putting on an act like some of the other groups. Even though they were smaller than the other two groups I could see that they had an amazing bond of sisterhood! I felt like I could picture these girls as my sisters. I suicided because I didn't feel at home as much with the other groups on campus and if I didn't get AOII I wasn't meant to be greek. WELL, the next day I was given a bid and the rest is history! I just graduated so I am now experiencing the "alum" aspect of AOII for the very first time! I am soooooo glad that I went AOII!

Roses,
Sarah

[AOIIsilver]

I, too, had a VERY different road to membership in AOII. However, joining AOII has been the single best thing that I have ever done for myself. As my husband OFTEN reminds me, "Sweetheart, AOII was not your LEGACY; it was your destiny."

(FYI: I honestly think that I married the BEST AOII husband ever. He proudly sports his "AOII Husband" and IIOA shirts!)

Since I joined, I have had SO many FABULOUS experiences and met SO many wonderful women. My Little is just great!

I hope to have MANY more wonderful experiences in AOII. I seem to grow more in the sisterhood everyday...

Roses to all of you,
AOIIsilver

[SnowLady]

I guess I'm the traditionalist.

My aunt, who is 7 years older than me was initiated into Alpha Chi Omega. I thought the sun and moon set with her (still do ) and wanted to everything she did. I remember that she had met her husband at a sorority/fraternity mixer and while getting my MRS degree was not a priority, I also knew that she had been on their exec board as well - THAT interested me.

So, during the university's organizational information sessions, I signed up for Formal Recruitment. I listed my aunt's membership - even though ONU did not have an AXO chapter.

We had four chapters at our campus. The rich girls, the pyschos, the "loose" girls and the brains and leaders. I was black-balled from the pyscho sorority b/c my husband (now) was dating at the time the CP of that sorority. (DH and I had dated prior to me attending college.) So I'm down to three. I was very intimidated from the rich group. I wondered if I'd always be trying to "catch up" with them and had already done that in high school and didn't want to compete again. The "loose" sorority could have had me - but I didn't want a real or perceived reputation. Lucky for me, I TOTALLY clicked with AOII. My big sis and I connected right from the start.

When I attended the Preference Party and my (future) big give me the rose and told me that to me it was just a rose but to her it was her heart. And asked me to place the petal in the bowl and make a wish... Wow. I look back now and can't believe I was the least bit worried.

When we went to sign our bid cards, the GA told us the rules and to put more than one group down. I had talked to my aunt and she said, if I only felt comfortable in one chapter, don't put another down just to get into that one - wait a year and see if I change my mind. So, I suicided AOII and got my bid the next day. I've been cardinal and white ever since.

Last week I got the nicest compliment from a sister from my chapter. She told me that she was lucky to have gotten to meet me in college and glad that we have remained friends since college. She also said that if more AOIIs had my spirit and love for AOII what a lucky world we'd live in. I was so touched. That note will go in my AOII file and I'll cherish forever. My best friends are AOIIs. I enjoy every aspect of advising. (Good and bad) and wouldn't pass it up for anything. Infact, I think I've learned more about AOII in the last 3 years as an adviser than I ever did in college. The alum years are certainly a blessing.

Thanks Christin for the thread.

[AOIIalum]

Originally posted by SnowLady
She also said that if more AOIIs had my spirit and love for AOII what a lucky world we'd live in.

In case ya'll were wondering, our sister was so right!! Heidi truly exemplifies all that is blessed about staying actively involved and loyal to our Fraternity in our alumnae years. I admire her commitment and determination and I treasure her friendship.

I love reading everyone's stories about how she found AOII!! Remembering why AOII meant so much to us then can help us to remember why she means so much to us now.

Thanks for sharing everyone!
Roses,
Christin

[AOIIBrandi]

Mine is the traditional route also, but it wasn't the most pleasant experience - BTW Snowlady my mom is an AXO and I always read her Lyre and knew I wanted something like that.

Anyway, I always knew I wanted to be in a sorority. As I said I am/was a legacy to AXO, but there was no chapter at my school. So, I went through formal rush in the Fall of my freshman year. We had 7 sororities on campus. Before rush started my Mom and I drove down greek row talking about the different organizations. We kept hitting on AOII for some reason, and my Mom kept saying that she felt after ADII, AOII was the strongest nationally on my campus.

Well, the first day (Ice waters) of rush came around and we went to all the houses. I loved all but 3 houses. The next day (Slide show) I was invited back to 4 houses (we could go to 6) 2 were houses I did not like the other 2 were ones I loved - AOII and ZTA. The next day (skit day) we could go to 4 houses I was invited to 2, but it was the 2 that I loved. During this everytime I went to AOII the president and several other officers would come up and talk to me. I felt so special. Then came pref. I was only invited to AOII, and by this time being cut so heavily had really taken its toll on me. One of my roomate's friends (a ZTA) came over to see her (and me - I know not allowed, but...). She asked how everything was going and I just burst into tears. She promptly left. Later, after bid day I was told that the girl came by bc they wanted to give me a snap bid after rush. No idea why they cut me then, but oh well. Anyway, I went to pref and had a great time. I cried when the President got up and told about losing her little brother over the summer and how all the AOIIs showed up at the funeral. And used the advice from my Rho Chi to tell them how much I loved being there. When they gave me the rose petal and told me to make a wish it was for AOII. I went back and ranked AOII then ZTA even though I didn't attend pref - Rho Chi's advice, and asked my Rho Chi to please call if I didn't receive a bid to save my embarrassment. I didn't get the call, and when I picked up my bid it said "The sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi cordially invite you to pledge..." I ran out to my new sisters and never looked back

BTW, my Rho Chi ended up being a ZTA (which I guessed right off) and most of my best friends in college were AOII or ZTA.

[rubyrose]

What the heck, I'll throw my story in too. It is also the traditional route, but with a twist. (Sorry this is so long, but I couldn't cut it down any further, and believe me I tried!)

On my college campus, recruitment was deferred until the Spring semester. As an entering freshman, I had not really thought about joining a sorority at all and I probably would not have gone through "rush" that year if it had been held in the fall. I don't know how it is now there, but when I attended, Greek life was a VERY big deal. Girls on my freshman floor cried hysterically and some even left school when they did not make it into their mother's sorority. As for me, I was just giving it a try to see what it was all about. My parents were not originally from the South and certainly had no Greek ties. They were concerned because they didn't want joining to interfere with my studies, but they stood behind my decision to try it out. I just didn't get this whole sorority thing because I didn't really know how it worked. My best friend did get it so she literally obtained some recs for me while she was getting them for herself. She really wanted me to go through rush so I did partly just to make her happy.

There were 10 sororities on campus at the time. I didn't know a lot about any of them except I knew which one that all of the famous people tended to join, and I do mean famous. I certainly was NOT famous, so I went into rush figuring I would probably not make it through. Talk on the freshman girls halls was focused on sororities and rush, but I was trying to keep an open mind. AOII had a reputation for smart girls who were very involved on campus with tons of leadership in other organizations. Needless to say I really enjoyed myself going through rush and was extremely impressed with AOII all the way through. I learned that the girls really were smart (highest sorority GPA on campus) and involved and extremely gracious and warm. They have won the Chancellor's award for outstanding chapter on campus quite a few times over the years. I have to say that many of the sororities on campus including the famous one were filled with wonderful, smart, friendly girls. I have a very good feeling about the Greek system there, at least the sororities, and I had many friends who were members of all of them. (I don't know about some of those fraternities though.)

We had 4 rounds consisting of open house, philanthropy, skit night, and preference. I cannot remember who cut me and where I went back for the first 3 rounds (it's been 20 years gone by now), although I know the famous sorority and a few others cut me right after first round. I do remember attending preference for 4 sororities which is the most you could attend. If you were invited back to 4 or more for pref, you had to attend 4 pref parties. Boy that was a long night, and my feet were killing me! And it was cold outside!! Truth be told, I only remember the AOII party at this point since quite a few years have gone by and it really stood out for me. They sang such a beautiful song ("A rose ever blooming..."), and it really stuck with me. Those girls had beautiful voices! Needless to say, AOII was my first choice although I really liked one of the other sororities as well and think I could have been very happy there too.

On the morning of bid day, my rush counselor came to my dorm room and told me I had fallen through rush. I was disappointed but okay with it since I originally did not expect it to work out. A couple of hours later, she came back and told me that they had made a huge mistake due to some computer glitch and had inadvertently told about 100 girls that they had fallen through rush. She was thoroughly embarassed and apologetic about it, and I became panic-stricken because I really wasn't even planning on getting a bid and now I had to readjust my thinking again. I went into the hallway and several other girls were there who were also told about the big "mistake". We looked at each other and asked, "what just happened here?" What a total range of emotions I went through that day!

Two other girls from my floor and I went to pick up our bids together, and I was sure there wouldn't be one for me because of the big "mix-up". We were given our bid cards, and when we opened them, we all had AOII! Not only did I have a bid, but I had my first choice! We screamed, hugged each other, and then realized that we were going to have to run to the sorority house during "Pig Run". Pig Run is when the rushees run to their houses and the fraternity guys sit on their front lawns and yell at them, heckle them, and throw stuff at them. (I hope to heck they don't do that anymore!) We devised a way to get to the sorority house without enduring this by taking a slightly different and backwards route. It might have taken us a couple of extra minutes, but we were dry!

It was very exciting and a little overwhelming to run up to the AOII house with 100 girls on the front lawn yelling at the top of their lungs over and over, "A-A-A O Pi, Alpha Alpha Omicron Pi, me-for my-for AOPi, how I love my AOPi." All of the sorority houses were yelling and chanting, and so the noise level was unbelievable on Greek row. It was truly spectacular and very overwhelming! They threw a red AOII jersey over my head and gave me a ton of AOII stuff. It was wonderful and very memorable. Oh and my best friend pledged the sorority across the street, another great group of girls. We ran into the street and hugged each other. She was more thrilled for me than I think I even was. The morning after bid day, I was kind of wondering what I had gotten myself into because after all, I was just trying this sorority thing out and really didn't expect to get a bid. But the chapter did a great job of getting our pledge class involved and teaching us about AOII. By the time initiation came around, I was sold that this was the right thing to do!

During my college years, I had the pleasure of watching both of my biological sisters be initiated as AOIIs. During that time, my mother became a huge fan of AOII. She would tell her friends she didn't necessarily like sororities very much but this one was special. She would help out during rush events in the kitchen and got to be big buddies with the house mother. All the other girls just raved about how great she was. I have always suspected that her underlying motive for helping was to peek in on my biological sisters when they went through rush to make sure they were okay. My mom is a hoot! At any rate, AOII truly became a family affair for us, and now I have 2 wonderful daughters who I can't help but think.... just maybe....

[SnowLady]

Christin,

Thank you so much! Your words mean so much to me!

And ladies, your stories are AWESOME! Very motiviating and make me wish I could still be on the collegiate side of recruitment! But alas, I just have to suffer through as an adviser. This gives me a great idea for a sisterhood event though. Getting our alumnae advisers to talk to the collegiates about why they joined - perhaps right before Formal Recruitment??? I'll have to give that some thought!

HUGS

[justhey76]

I got into AOII through God's good graces, and now I am so glad to be a new member. I just went through formal recruitment last week and put AOII second on my pref card, with DZ first. LUCKILY, I was matched with AOII instead of DZ (not to say that they arent great girls). Now, I am so SO SO happy to be an aOII that I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, and its only been a week!!! I live with my sisters and already, I feel like i know each one of them so deeply. I am so glad that fate chose AOII for me, bc I wasnt smart enough to put them first in the first place.