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!!!