Hope for me?

[Barbie's_Rush]

Originally Posted by beatlesfan87

I have been regretting the fact that I was not in a sorority for several years now. I am hoping to learn more about alumnae initiates.

When I was a freshman in college I went to a big states school that I decided on last moment, kind of dragged my feet to rush, and ended up dropping out of rush. Everything seemed to go wrong my freshman year (ended up on upperclassman floor, no roommate no less), I was homesick, and I transferred to a school at home so I could commute. Because I was a commuter living at home, I did not consider joining one of my commuter school's sororities. But I began volunteering and getting involved in all kinds of activities and started noticing that a lot of the women I found myself around were sorority women. I have SO regretted that I wasn't a part of a sisterhood and a dedication to scholarship and philanthropy. I encouraged my younger sister to join a sorority, and the difference I see in her is amazing (she joined Chi Omega, by the way). I cannot tell you how upset it makes me to think I would never be part of a sorority until a friend told me about alumna initiation. I looked into it, and much to my surprise, the two sororities that I had felt such a bond with on my very first day of rush when I was a freshman in college, engage in alumna initiation.

I know so much more about myself now than I did when I was an undergraduate. I have a better sense of priorities, and a greater level of dedication to the activities I engage in.

Anyway, I was hoping you could give me some more information about AI. I have a close friend from one of the sororities, and a family member from the other.

Are you shopping even before you've graduated? http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=94306

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by Barbie's_Rush

Are you shopping even before you've graduated? http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=94306

Oh man.

Yeah, you might want to graduate first.

AI = after college.

I also just wanted to put this out there: AI is not some sort of "fix" for those who didn't get a bid in college.

It appears that you have had multiple unsuccessful rushes. You also mentioned that the groups you're interested in are groups who were active at your school. So I'm assuming you were cut by them during recruitment at some point.

Not saying that this is what you think, but it happens sometimes that people pursue AI as a "backdoor way" of getting into a sorority that didn't bid them in college.

The women who post here who are AIs can attest to the fact that that is not what it is for. They all bring something to the table for their orgs. As I said above, if you are serious about being initiated as an alumna, you're going to need to have more to say than "I rushed in college and didn't get a bid."

[ree-Xi]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Oh man.

Yeah, you might want to graduate first.

AI = after college.

I also just wanted to put this out there: AI is not some sort of "fix" for those who didn't get a bid in college.

Not saying that this is what you think, but it happens sometimes that people pursue AI as a "backdoor way" of getting into a sorority that didn't bid them in college. The women who post here who are AIs can attest to the fact that that is not what it is for. As I said above, if you are serious about being initiated as an alumna, you're going to need to have more to it than "I rushed in college and didn't get a bid."

Based on her other posts, she would be graduating this semester.

Sigh.

[ThetaPrincess24]

Originally Posted by Barbie's_Rush

Are you shopping even before you've graduated? http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=94306

Good detective work!

[33girl]

Alumnae initiation is NOT for women who have already been cut by the collegiate chapter of the sorority they wish to AI into. If I ever heard that one of the women we cut had managed to talk her way into being AIed, to quote my 4little, every last head would be rolling right on up to Longwood. If you've stayed in the same area and members of the chapter you rushed in college are in the alum chapter you join, WTF is going to be the LEAST of their comments.

What you propose is extremely disrespectful.

I also just saw the area you're in. Ummm, wow, you might as well go unicorn and dodo bird hunting because I honestly think you'll have more luck.

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by 33girl

What you propose is extremely disrespectful. I won't get into how annoyed I am that you're sullying the Beatles with your username.

Beat me too it!!!

[AOEforme]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Alumnae initiation is NOT for women who have already been cut by the collegiate chapter of the sorority they wish to AI into. If I ever heard that one of the women we cut had managed to talk her way into being AIed, to quote my 4little, every last head would be rolling right on up to Longwood. If you've stayed in the same area and members of the chapter you rushed in college are in the alum chapter you join, WTF is going to be the LEAST of their comments.

Especially if they had a good reason for cutting you. I'm not saying in any way, shape, or form that they did, but it might not have just been your weight. Membership selection goes way beyond your pants size.

Just because you have to make cuts does not mean that some of those cuts are not willingly done. There are several girls I would be beyond pissed to see in my alum chapter....

[sigmadiva]

Sorry for lane swerving, but beatlesfan87, have you considered non-collegiate sororities like Beta Sigma Phi?

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by sigmadiva

Sorry for lane swerving, but beatlesfan87, have you considered non-collegiate sororities like Beta Sigma Phi?

Many times, people don't want to consider those other types of orgs because they are stuck on wanting an NPC group (and their dreams of joining an NPC from college) and they don't allow anything else to fill that niche. Not saying that BSP should be a "replacement" for an NPC, but joining an NPC after college isn't going to happen for everyone (not everyone is even going to be considered for AI). Sometimes you COULD fill that niche with a community based group, but you just don't want to open up to the idea.

[ree-Xi]

I don't get how people who have never been part of a sorority would know "how much they can offer" a sorority as an AI.

For an eye-opening experience, I suggest talking to active alumnae of sororities (people you know) and ask them just what it is they do as alumnae. Most of their efforts are focused on helping nearby chapters (if one exists) in various capacities (advising, assisting during recruitment, mentoring the collegiates), and carrying out and meeting the sorority's ideals and interests.

Perhaps you will understand what people are trying to tell you.

Why not find organizations that you have something in common with? (Yes, BSP is something you should look into - adult women who are looking for a sisterhood). Perhaps people who similar goals or interests. There are so many paths to personal fulfillment. Just find the right one for you.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Many times, people don't want to consider those other types of orgs because they are stuck on wanting an NPC group (and their dreams of joining an NPC from college) and they don't allow anything else to fill that niche. Not saying that BSP should be a "replacement" for an NPC, but joining an NPC after college isn't going to happen for everyone (not everyone is even going to be considered for AI). Sometimes you COULD fill that niche with a community based group, but you just don't want to open up to the idea.

I see your point and I agree with you.

It's just that she asked for hope and I was just trying to give her some.....