Disaffiliating?

[33girl]

You've only been an active member for a matter of weeks, if you don't count summer. Bonds are not made overnight. Give it another semester and if you still feel uncomfy, you can disaffiliate.

If you keep skipping events, that won't help at all. Obviously you won't feel close to anyone if you're never around them.

They might think you can't be involved because of your illness - it might help if you stood up at chapter meeting and said exactly what it entails. People might be wary of asking you to be on committees and such because they don't want you to overextend yourself. I mean, if you're sick you're sick, but don't use it as an excuse.

[Kevin]

You join these organizations for life. If you drop out now, you might regret that decision for a long, long time. You never know when your affiliation might come in handy.

That said, if your health is up to it, try to take some sort of project on, join some committees, join some sort of organized activities with other members which necessitate you being in smaller groups. Sometimes, you have to put yourself out there like that to make friends. No matter how well new member programs are put together, they can't succeed without some significant work on the part of the new members to become familiar with the organization.

I can see where it'd be tough with a pledge class of that size, but if you put yourself out there a little bit, somehow, I think you'll manage.

[AlethiaSi]

my organization has fewer girls total than your pledge class did! BUT no matter what, after seeing so many pledge classes go through, there is ALWAYS an awkward time after initiation. It takes time to settle in and make friends, yes it can be cliquey, (especially with sucha large group) but the best way to do this is to be around, and make an effort to join conversations.
Also, like 33girl said, girls might feel uncomfortable asking about your illness or asking you to do things for fear of overextending yourself, especially if they don't know you or what illness you have.
I would definitely make an effort to talk to one girl a week, see which "groups" you seem to enjoy the most. They wanted you there for a reason, don't forget that!

Also, when girls join and then don't participate, it makes me very sad, because in a way, I don't get an opportunity to get to know them, Imean, maybe with such a large group there isn't the same mentality, but you may just make some really great friends. If you REALLY aren't feeling it after another semester, inactivity/alumni status is possible, disaffiliation is very extreme, but see how you feel after you give it some more time.

[Fleur de Lis]

I know a lot of us have felt the way you do when we were new(er) members.

I would recommend at least waiting out this year. Maybe after recruitment, the new member class will be a better fit. Offer to come to the new member retreat or another event and get to know them a little. Consider running for a leadership position or something where you will work with a smaller group and get exposure. Tell the membership chair you want to help with recruitment. Participate in a greek sing or some other fun competition which will be fun and bonding. I found my niche by living with some sisters I didn't know that well, and we ended up having a great year.

This is not meant to be harsh but a fact of life: people are attracted to individuals that have something to offer. If you're a brand new sister and already skipping events and considering disaffiliating, why would they invest in your friendship? I'm not saying be fake, but if you go to these functions being the best "you" you can be, I think people will start to notice.

Don't give up - this is an emotionally draining experience, but it won't be any different in a team, club, religious org, etc. You just have to keep putting yourself out there! Good luck!