Retro Recruitment.....with a different ending

[AlwaysSAI]

Shortly before classes and chapter activities resumed in the fall, my sister asked me for a list of my college activities with SAI and Phi Sig. After about a week, my sister and I had the following conversation. (There's not really a reason for including this, I just thought it was funny.)

Twin: "AlwaysSAI, you haven't sent me that list yet! I need it."
Me: "I'm done with 07-08 and I'm working on 08-09."
Twin: "Wait, you're separating it by year?"
Me: "Yeah. And organization."
Twin: "Did you really do that much.....?
Me: I started listing what I did....
She interrupted me and said: "Wow. OK. Just finish it and send it to me."

About a week or so later, I completed the list and emailed it to her. It was at this point, that she told me that she was presenting a recommendation to her collegiate chapter that I be initiated as an alumnae member. I questioned her on this. I wasn't sure this should be happening. What she said to me, I'll never forget. "AlwaysSAI, you are meant to be an Alpha Gam. You have lived up to Alpha Gam's most sacred teachings through your service to SAI and Phi Sig." She later told me, "You have done more work for your organizations than I've seen many members of greek row do. The chapters on your campus may not have seen you fit for membership, but the AGDs on my campus love you. And AGD deserves a member like you."

Later that night, she told me that the vote was affirmative and that the recommendation now had to be voted on by another group.

Now, here I was sure it wouldn't go any further. The AGDs on my sister's campus had known me for years. Of course, they voted for me. Every time I visited, they lobbied me to transfer. But, another group? There was no way it would pass.

In early November, I opened my mailbox upon returning home from work. In it was an envelope addressed to me from Alpha Gamma Delta HQ. I immediately called my sister before I even stepped away from the mailbox. "Um, sis,..." I said hesitantly, "I got a letter from Alpha Gam today." She squealed with excitement, "OPEN IT!"

And, the letter read (in part):
The alumnae members of Alpha Gamma Delta have recommended you for alumnae membership in our Fraternity. International Council is happy to extend this invitation to you.

It was official. I was going to become a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. I had 500 questions for my sister. Do I need to attend a pledging ceremony? Do I get a membership manual? Will you help me learn the history? When do I take the membership exam?

To my disappointment, none of those things were required for alumnae initiates. But, I was determined to learn them anyway. I was being honored as an alumnae initiate--this is something that should not be taken lightly.