Reactivating as an Alum...??? - Page 2

GinaBaroness · #1 04-06-2015, 11:28 PM

Big bump!

Hi, it's me again and it's been over 6 years since my last update. At the time of my last update I still hadn't sent the check and letter.

Today, I finally got on the phone with nationals and paid the $200 I owed over the phone! So that is done. However, they told me that there is another fee to reinstate of $500. I am going to have to think very hard about that. I just went through a divorce and I am living with one of my parents now, and I have plans to move out and attend grad school in August. $500 would be a huge setback to making the move. However I know this process could take 9 months so it would be best to start it now.

I can't believe life has gotten in the way this long. I really should just do it and feel like my heart is complete again.

Edit: I just went back and read my OP. Wow...I said I was going to grad school back then. I didn't go to grad school. In fact, I'm on a completely different career path now than I was when I finished undergrad in 2007, and I'm doing grad school to change careers now. It's amazing how things change!

GinaBaroness · #2 04-12-2015, 06:57 PM

I submitted my letter on Friday to nationals. It will be awhile before I hear about a result. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

(is anyone even reading this forum anymore?)

Sciencewoman · #3 04-12-2015, 09:49 PM

Pardon the crash in the Phi Mu forum, but I wish you good luck!!

AnchorAlumna · #4 04-13-2015, 01:20 AM

Best of luck to you.
Maybe you can arrange to pay the $500 a little at a time, to make it a bit easier.

GinaBaroness · #5 08-14-2015, 11:55 AM

Guys!!! I got the e-mail today. I have been welcomed home! AHHHHH!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all who have followed this thread since 2007. If only I had acted sooner. ALSO - my very best friend, who I would not have met if we weren't in the same Phi class, is coming to visit me tomorrow! This was planned long before now, but the timing could not be more perfect. Once I pay the reinstatement fee, I am going to become as involved as I can locally.

AZTheta · #6 08-14-2015, 12:02 PM

crashing to say that I am SO EXCITED for you! Now make up for lost time!!!!!

andthen · #7 08-14-2015, 12:39 PM

Yes pardon the crash as well, but that's wonderful news. I'm glad were able to come home again. Wishing you many years of happy new memories of sisterhood.

sigmaceli · #8 08-18-2015, 05:34 PM

I literally logged in from my lifetime of lurking to say CONGRATULATIONS! A homecoming seven years in the making deserves a crash and comment. You will not regret this decision. I am so glad you get to make new Phi Mu memories - make every one count!

navane · #9 08-18-2015, 10:13 PM

Many congratulations! That is wonderful news!

GinaBaroness · #10 09-11-2015, 04:29 PM

I paid the reinstatement fee today, and I've gotten word that I am officially a member again as of today. I've already reached out on Facebook as far as getting involved with helping with the local collegiate chapters and I can't wait to go to alum events as well.

I am also going to get an upgraded badge!

This means the world to me...thank you, thank you, thank you, to Phi Mu!

etadrisophila · #11 09-11-2015, 08:28 PM

Gina:
I am out of my lane but stopped by to wish you a heartfelt congratulations!

GinaBaroness · #12 09-20-2015, 10:33 PM

If anyone wants to know more about the process of reinstatement please feel free to PM me.

There is a fee involved (not sure if I can post it here - so I'm not going to) and also if you owed any chapter dues at the time you left, those must also be paid to nationals. I paid both.

I also ordered a new badge/dangle/guard so that cost me about $400. I don't think the badge prices are secret. But I upgraded mine significantly from when I was a member in college - back then I had the plainest badge and no guard/dangle!

The total cost I paid was over 4 figures...but worth every penny. I would have paid at least that much anyway for the remaining time I had in undergrad at the time I quit. All of it was one time fees unless I upgrade my badge again. And then Forever Faithful is only $20 per year, and my local alumnae chapter is $30 per year. Of course, I certainly hope that next year I can go to Convention, and I plan on buying some new letters and whatever as well too! I don't mind spending the money, for something my heart truly belongs to.

I've already made contacts with my local alumnae group and I couldn't be happier. I am going to hopefully be involved with advising a chapter very soon!

I still can't believe I did this!!! So happy!!!

LouisaMay · #13 09-21-2015, 09:52 AM

What a sweet post! Congratulations. I'm really happy for you and for Phi Mu. It sounds like you are ready to make your mark in your sisterhood.

GinaBaroness · #14 01-21-2016, 08:08 PM

No idea if anyone still checks the forum due to all the spam but I wanted to post another update.

Since becoming reinstated I've taken an advisory role with a chapter near me. I also found out Tuesday night that I'll be on the 2016-2017 exec board for my alumnae chapter. I am more than making up for lost time. Thanks again to everyone who followed this thread for such a long time.

clemsongirl · #15 01-21-2016, 08:44 PM

Although I was not on this board when you first started your journey-I was in middle school, and now I feel both very young and very old at the same time-I am SO happy for you to be involved in Phi Mu again! My mom is just now getting back to being involved in her local chapter after having been involved with them almost 17 years ago. Better late than never!

We wouldn't hate it if you posted a picture of your new badge too