What is the proper way....

[orchid2]

Ok, I've posted on this topic before, as you all know. However, this situation is slightly different. I've talked to several teachers of mine about my college plans, and I suspect that more than one of them was Greek in her college days. My question is, how do I tactfully find out? I don't know how to approach that in conversation...I feel it would be tacky if I just asked "what sorority were you in?" All of your ideas will be appreciated...I need to know this for recommendation purposes. I'm pretty confident that I could get some of these women to write them for me, it's just a matter of finding out whether they are Greek in the first place! Thanks in advance.

[33girl]

Just ask them what all activities they were involved in at college (be prepared to hear all about how they singlehandedly turned around the fortunes of the State U. Stamp club ). If they were Greek, mention that you are interested in rushing and ask if they could write you a recommendation. Even if they weren't Greek, they will probably still be flattered that you asked!

[kappagirl00]

My advice would simply be to mention that you're rushing. This can easily come up in conversation. Most likely your teacher will ask, "Oh, do you know if ABC has a chapter at your campus? I LOVED being an ABC." If you have ABC at your school, your teacher will probably offer to write a rec. Usually, if a teacher doesn't want to write a rec they won't mention their affiliation. This way, you don't have to ask them, by saying you're rushing you're giving them an opportunity to offer you a rec. Just be sure to read up on which orgs are on your campus so you'll be prepared should you get an offer from one of your teachers. Good luck! Teacher recs are great because they know you well not only as a person but as a student.

[SoCalGirl]

A little late, but....

How bout the next time you're talking about your college plans you start talking about activities too. Like if your in an environmental club in hs, say "I hope they have one at my school too." Then kind of switch over to talking about how you want to do activities but your looking into being a greek too. "Boy I hope I have enough time for it all and homework! Hey Ms. SoandSo what groups were you in in college?" This gives her the choice of whether or not to mention sororities and even if she wasn't in one, you can learn about time management!

[amycat412]

I wouldn't be offended at all, or think it odd if I was discussing college plans with someone and they just out and out asked if I was a part of the greek system. Or if you feel this could potentially make someone who wasn't uncomfortable, like the post above says--ask what activities they were involved in, but also specify--say like "were you involved in any activities like campus tour guides or a sorority and did you find it more difficult to manage your course load with these activities" --Bring the focus back to school, they'll like that.

If recommendations are what you are after as well, I'd suggest making contact with the local alumna chapters of the various organizations.

Good luck!
Amy

[This message has been edited by amycat412 (edited April 11, 2001).]

[shadokat]

I'd just ask them if they had been in a greek organization. If they go off, kindly tell them that your beliefs aren't the same as theirs, and leave it at that