Sincerely In Need Of Help

[indiesarah]

Hi, ladies,

My name is Sarah and I’m in need of some sisterly assistance. I am a former member of Phi Sigma Sigma (Zeta Tau chapter) who disaffiliated due to mostly financial necessity – I was working three jobs at the time and could truly not afford time or money to proceed.

I stepped away from Phi Sig understanding that the bonds of sisterhood could not be broken. I have always taken comfort in our maxim, “Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, always a Phi Sigma Sigma” and have never felt like my temporary lack of funds could dampen that brilliant sentiment.

I wrote Headquarters in the hopes that I could somehow reinstate, if only to contribute dues as an alumna and give back to the sorority that is still a part of me. I would like to go through the proper channels to make that happen. She (Lisa Moshkovich) directed me write a letter describing my circumstances and desire to reinstate and to gather five letters of support from five members – current or alumnae.

My letter, in its entirety, is posted below. Could any of you e-mail me with some kind words of solidarity – short notes would suffice - so that I can rejoin my sisters? This likely seems like an odd gesture from a faraway stranger, but something so small would mean so much to me.

I truly do feel the strength and devotion of our sisterhood can transcend this ultimately correctable lapse on my part and that I can be a better sister than ever by way of your kindness.

Of note, this letter was written some time ago when I started my quest to find former and current sisters. The baby I mention in the letter has since been lost; my husband and I are trying again but I could really use the comfort and support of my sisters - it's all very hard right now.

------------------------

To my lovely fellow sisters,

My name is Sarah, formerly of Phi Sigma Sigma’s Zeta Tau chapter at Loyola University Chicago. My time with Phi Sig was very brief, but the bonds are strong. It is in keeping with our maxim, “Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, Always a Phi Sigma Sigma” that I write to you for reinstatement.

At the time I joined Phi Sig, I was a shy, awkward elder classwoman who rushed with her roommate; my discomfort at entering the Greek system “late” faded as soon as I experienced the accommodating nature of my sisters. My timing, however, couldn’t have been worse: I was working two – at times, three – concurrent jobs, one of which required me to live away from home over the summer, making money tight; graduation was looming, my class load was increasing and my financial situation was worsening. I couldn’t devote enough of my time, money or energy to be the sister I wanted to be.

I was truly sad to leave Phi Sig. It was there that I first felt close with other women, truthfully. My sisters were there as I entered into Catholicism, they provided for me during a breakup and got me out into the big city, unafraid. I left feeling the love and best wishes of my sisters as I embarked on the rest of my collegiate journey and have never forgotten that warmth.

It’s several years later and I am married, expecting my first child. I work for a hospital in Indianapolis – the same one that guarded my life as a premature baby. As the result of my condition and my all-too-appropriate employer, I’ve been reflecting on service and family quite a bit, including the environment and values I’d like to provide for my daughter, should I have one.

My warm relationships and continued service work with Phi Sig inspire me to encourage those bonds with her and other women, and reflect the strength and sincerity I felt regardless of my baby’s gender. I would like to contribute as an alumna, in dues, activities and in spirit.

It is my hope that my lapse can be corrected so that I can be the loyal sister I always aspired to be.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

[33girl]

Not a PSS, but I will say: words from strangers online most likely aren't going to help, even if they are sorority sisters. Not only that, it's asking a lot of strangers to put their name on the line for you.

You need to be aided by people who KNOW you - people who were your sisters in college or PSS sisters from other chapters you may have met somewhere along the way.

Also, I would cut out the part about your expecting a baby (especially if you lost the baby - my condolences) and about your being premature. They really don't apply to the situation or why you had to make the decision you did to disaffiliate. You need to just be straightforward and say "I screwed up" - not try to get what you want by tugging at heartstrings.

Good luck.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by indiesarah

Hi, ladies,

My name is Sarah and I’m in need of some sisterly assistance. I am a former member of Phi Sigma Sigma (Zeta Tau chapter) who disaffiliated due to mostly financial necessity – I was working three jobs at the time and could truly not afford time or money to proceed.

I stepped away from Phi Sig understanding that the bonds of sisterhood could not be broken. I have always taken comfort in our maxim, “Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, always a Phi Sigma Sigma” and have never felt like my temporary lack of funds could dampen that brilliant sentiment.

I wrote Headquarters in the hopes that I could somehow reinstate, if only to contribute dues as an alumna and give back to the sorority that is still a part of me. I would like to go through the proper channels to make that happen. She (Lisa Moshkovich) directed me write a letter describing my circumstances and desire to reinstate and to gather five letters of support from five members – current or alumnae.

My letter, in its entirety, is posted below. Could any of you e-mail me with some kind words of solidarity – short notes would suffice - so that I can rejoin my sisters? This likely seems like an odd gesture from a faraway stranger, but something so small would mean so much to me.

I truly do feel the strength and devotion of our sisterhood can transcend this ultimately correctable lapse on my part and that I can be a better sister than ever by way of your kindness.

Of note, this letter was written some time ago when I started my quest to find former and current sisters. The baby I mention in the letter has since been lost; my husband and I are trying again but I could really use the comfort and support of my sisters - it's all very hard right now.

------------------------

To my lovely fellow sisters,

My name is Sarah, formerly of Phi Sigma Sigma’s Zeta Tau chapter at Loyola University Chicago. My time with Phi Sig was very brief, but the bonds are strong. It is in keeping with our maxim, “Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, Always a Phi Sigma Sigma” that I write to you for reinstatement.

At the time I joined Phi Sig, I was a shy, awkward elder classwoman who rushed with her roommate; my discomfort at entering the Greek system “late” faded as soon as I experienced the accommodating nature of my sisters. My timing, however, couldn’t have been worse: I was working two – at times, three – concurrent jobs, one of which required me to live away from home over the summer, making money tight; graduation was looming, my class load was increasing and my financial situation was worsening. I couldn’t devote enough of my time, money or energy to be the sister I wanted to be.

I was truly sad to leave Phi Sig. It was there that I first felt close with other women, truthfully. My sisters were there as I entered into Catholicism, they provided for me during a breakup and got me out into the big city, unafraid. I left feeling the love and best wishes of my sisters as I embarked on the rest of my collegiate journey and have never forgotten that warmth.

It’s several years later and I am married, expecting my first child. I work for a hospital in Indianapolis – the same one that guarded my life as a premature baby. As the result of my condition and my all-too-appropriate employer, I’ve been reflecting on service and family quite a bit, including the environment and values I’d like to provide for my daughter, should I have one.

My warm relationships and continued service work with Phi Sig inspire me to encourage those bonds with her and other women, and reflect the strength and sincerity I felt regardless of my baby’s gender. I would like to contribute as an alumna, in dues, activities and in spirit.

It is my hope that my lapse can be corrected so that I can be the loyal sister I always aspired to be.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Pardon the lane swerve, but are you asking complete strangers to vouch for you? I imagine that the people in your HQ would want to see letters of support from people you know. I'm sorry for your circumstances, but THIS is not the way to deal with it.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

Pardon the lane swerve, but are you asking complete strangers to vouch for you? I imagine that the people in your HQ would want to see letters of support from people you know.

JINX BUY ME A COKE.

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by 33girl

JINX BUY ME A COKE.

I think we're up to a six pack now

[DrPhil]

TMI.

I'm sure the sorority has a less public place for you to do this.

[indiesarah]

My apologies to you all. I felt this whole process was about opening up and fixing my mistake, but I agree that is probably too much to tell. I will edit my letter and approach sisters some other way. Thanks.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by indiesarah

My apologies to you all. I felt this whole process was about opening up and fixing my mistake, but I agree that is probably too much to tell. I will edit my letter and approach sisters some other way. Thanks.

I think the point is to approach sisters that you actually know. If HQ wanted endorsements from people who don't know you, they'd just read your letter and do it themselves. Check FB and find some people from your chapter. How about your old roommate?

[indiesarah]

Thanks, AOII Angel, I appreciate your kindness. It's embarrassing now to see what all I said, but I guess as you're going through something, you just want to talk about it.

I've contacted some of my former sisters and hope I hear something soon. In the meantime, yes, HQ has said that they will take two other letters from ladies not from my chapter, should they be so inclined. More than anything, I just want to cover every scenario in case I'm not able to locate more ZTs.

Still, I appreciate all of your advice and time. Please take my apologies as I go about this a better way.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by indiesarah

Thanks, AOII Angel, I appreciate your kindness. It's embarrassing now to see what all I said, but I guess as you're going through something, you just want to talk about it.

I've contacted some of my former sisters and hope I hear something soon. In the meantime, yes, HQ has said that they will take two other letters from ladies not from my chapter, should they be so inclined. More than anything, I just want to cover every scenario in case I'm not able to locate more ZTs.

Still, I appreciate all of your advice and time. Please take my apologies as I go about this a better way.

Is there a local alum chapter? Try to connect with local Phi Sigs. They may be receptive to getting to know you personally to help with your cause. Good luck with this. It's hard when you realize that a decision made in your youth may not have been the best decision.

[TPA85]

If you have lost contact with many/all of your sisters from when you were an active, you could try starting here http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gi....1873234598..1 to see if any of the current actives can direct you to the alums or even write letters themselves.
Good luck.

[Ooh La La]

Originally Posted by 33girl

JINX BUY ME A COKE.

This. And definitely cut the baby part.