Awkward Aspirants/Awkward Situations

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

True.



For me it is. I came in pre-MIP and had to adjust to MIP. So for me, I'm used to dealing with the 'awkward aspirant' because I don't think it is that unusual or shocking. I also came in as an undergrad, so it was very normal for people to just walk up to you and talk to you about joining.

So, from my perspective I think Sen just over-reacted.

I came in as a collegiate post-MIP and I also am used to dealing with the "awkward aspirant" because it isn't unusual or shocking. However, I know what "awkward aspirant" meant to me back then (partially because I was an awkward aspirant at times) and what it means to me as an alum.

So, there clearly isn't a universal "awkward aspirant" definition or experience. I'd be interested to read your "awkward aspirant" experience based on what "awkward aspirant" means to you, sigmadiva.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I came in as a collegiate post-MIP and I also am used to dealing with the "awkward aspirant" because it isn't unusual or shocking. However, I know what "awkward aspirant" meant to me back then (partially because I was an awkward aspirant at times) and what it means to me as an alum.

So, there clearly isn't a universal "awkward aspirant" definition or experience. I'd be interested to read your "awkward aspirant" experience based on what "awkward aspirant" means to you, sigmadiva.

I think people venture into being an awkward aspirant when they are sooo desperate they'll do *anything* to become a member.

I was told this, so I don't know how true this is, but....I was told about a young lady who attended my undergrad university (Texas A&M) and she wanted to join DST soooo bad. So, she ends up at some house party hosted by a DST, and to show her willingness to want to be a DST, she went back into the DST's kitchen and started washing her dishes. The lady of the house, the DST member, asked what she was doing and why she was doing that. The girl just said she was trying to help.

Now, if that is true, that is awkward. Just asking somebody at work is not awkward. Unless I guess, they are asking you jumping up and down with big puppy-dog eyes, drooling at the mouth.

Oh, I think the person who told me this wanted to know if I knew the desperate young lady since I went to A&M. I told them I didn't.

[MexicanMami0286]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

And, it is still up to the individual member to talk to the aspirant. If you (the general you and you, MexicanMami0286) don't want to entertain the questions, then don't. Just politely refer that person to the chapter / IHQ website and /or the Membership Chair of your chapter. You don't have to have a whole dialog with these people.

Also, if people know that you are a member, then they will approach you, no matter when. You don't want to be bothered at certain times, but they don't know that if they don't really know you. If anything, I would think that it would be a bit flattering when people run you down to ask questions. They see something in you that they want to be like.

Understood. Flattering or not, I still will hold that people should adhere to the principles of common sense, professionalism, and common courtesy.

Politely asking, "Is this a good time to talk?" is never a bad idea. And I know I don't have the entertain the questions, but it's not about the questions. It's about the circumstances surrounding the questions.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by MexicanMami0286

Understood. Flattering or not, I still will hold that people should adhere to the principles of common sense, professionalism, and common courtesy.

Politely asking, "Is this a good time to talk?" is never a bad idea. And I know I don't have the entertain the questions, but it's not about the questions. It's about the circumstances surrounding the questions.

I know...I know.....

Just try to be patient with those people. As we say in the South: "Some people just weren't raised rrriiiiiiiightttt."

[DrPhil]

This goes back to the whole subjectivity of "awkward aspirant."

Is it just basic manners, is it based on subtle hints or overtness (is that a word?), GLO-specific protocol, should they be psychic and know that MexicanMami wants them to formally ask "is this a good time," etc...

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

I think people venture into being an awkward aspirant when they are sooo desperate they'll do *anything* to become a member.

I was told this, so I don't know how true this is, but....I was told about a young lady who attended my undergrad university (Texas A&M) and she wanted to join DST soooo bad. So, she ends up at some house party hosted by a DST, and to show her willingness to want to be a DST, she went back into the DST's kitchen and started washing her dishes. The lady of the house, the DST member, asked what she was doing and why she was doing that. The girl just said she was trying to help.

Now, if that is true, that is awkward. Just asking somebody at work is not awkward. Unless I guess, they are asking you jumping up and down with big puppy-dog eyes, drooling at the mouth.

Oh, I think the person who told me this wanted to know if I knew the desperate young lady since I went to A&M. I told them I didn't.

Now that is a mess. The damn girl was pledging/hazing herself...LOL! which some "awkward aspirants" have been known to do.

[IlovemyAKA]

Let us not forget this post.

I've also had awkward aspirants (AA) ask "when is the next meeting?"
Me: Our next program is Tuesday @ 7. I only responded because I knew her upperclassman mentor.
AA: I don't have time for programs. When is the interest meeting?
Me: *blank stare*

Said "aspirant" found her way to rush wearing black pants, a green shirt, & a South Pole jacket. It should not surprise you to know that she is still not a member of a Greek-lettered organization.

ETA: She made it to the program on Tuesday, changed shoes @ the door, & left the shoebox right at the entrance.

I've even had one go so far as to call me to ask if she had messed herself up because she didn't speak to a member at Wal-Mart. Some people lose themselves in their pursuit.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by IlovemyAKA

I've even had one go so far as to call me to ask if she had messed herself up because she didn't speak to a member at Wal-Mart. Some people lose themselves in their pursuit.

Swerving:

This made me laugh really hard for some reason. I don't know why. Would it have been wrong of you to just play along and say "Yeah, you really may have. She hates when interests don't speak when she's out buying groceries?"

It just seems like a really awkward question, lol.

[Senusret I]

Dude from the original post contacted me to let me know he wasn't pursuing Alpha anymore.

*praise break*

[dreamseeker]

[Elephant Walk]

I was thinking Minor in Possession.