Advice Please!

[greekdee]

Hi -- since you said you dropped, I'm assuming that other sororities did invite you back? I usually think it's best to see recruitment through to the end, even if you aren't feeling the love early on. Many girls have pledged and loved sororities they initially did not feel a strong connection to. Things really can change as the process moves along, and many hearts and minds have done complete turn-arounds, especially at pref. Do keep this in mind if you choose to pursue membership in the sorority that is colonizing on your campus. You might not feel a strong connection at first, but it could absolutely form as time goes on.

I encourage you to look into the new chapter. I don't have first hand experience with that, but a neighbor's daughter recently pledged the new Delta Gamma chapter at Alabama and really likes being part of building something. Same goes for another neighbor whose son got in on the ground floor of a fraternity at his school last year. Most of what I know about joining a new chapter is what I've learned here at Greek Chat. Do some searching for threads on colonizing. You'll find some information. A new chapter could provide good opportunities for upperclassmen because they may need a mix of grade levels. Older students who can bring leadership experience to the table may be very desirable. I say "could" and "may" because chapters and campuses vary, but my understanding is that colonizing GLO's are usually more open to upperclassmen than groups that are already established.

So -- give it a try, but don't be discouraged if there aren't many fireworks at the beginning. Stick with the process and determine if you and the organization have the same goals and ideals, and think about what contributions you can make to the chapter's growth and development. I'm betting you will be asked that during recruitment, so do an honest assessment of your strengths and talents. Being part of a something new can be very exciting and rewarding -- and the process of building something together can lead to strong bonds between people. Wishing you the very best!!

Originally Posted by greekdee

Hi -- since you said you dropped, I'm assuming that other sororities did invite you back? I usually think it's best to see recruitment through to the end, even if you aren't feeling the love early on. Many girls have pledged and loved sororities they initially did not feel a strong connection to. Things really can change as the process moves along, and many hearts and minds have done complete turn-arounds, especially at pref. Do keep this in mind if you choose to pursue membership in the sorority that is colonizing on your campus. You might not feel a strong connection at first, but it could absolutely form as time goes on.

I encourage you to look into the new chapter. I don't have first hand experience with that, but a neighbor's daughter recently pledged the new Delta Gamma chapter at Alabama and really likes being part of building something. Same goes for another neighbor whose son got in on the ground floor of a fraternity at his school last year. Most of what I know about joining a new chapter is what I've learned here at Greek Chat. Do some searching for threads on colonizing. You'll find some information. A new chapter could provide good opportunities for upperclassmen because they may need a mix of grade levels. Older students who can bring leadership experience to the table may be very desirable. I say "could" and "may" because chapters and campuses vary, but my understanding is that colonizing GLO's are usually more open to upperclassmen than groups that are already established.

So -- give it a try, but don't be discouraged if there aren't many fireworks at the beginning. Stick with the process and determine if you and the organization have the same goals and ideals, and think about what contributions you can make to the chapter's growth and development. I'm betting you will be asked that during recruitment, so do an honest assessment of your strengths and talents. Being part of a something new can be very exciting and rewarding -- and the process of building something together can lead to strong bonds between people. Wishing you the very best!!

Thanks. Basically, my gut instinct is the best thing I have to go on. While some of the girls in the other sororities are great, I could not see myself being able to feel natural around them. One of the sororities just did not click with me in terms of what they were based on and I just did not feel anything and the same goes for the second one that invited me back as well. I do not want to risk the chance of "falling in love" with something down the line because let's face it...you have to pay for this. I do not want to bank on a major IF factor. I was so upset when I found out my first choice dropped me and really unsure why when I had such great connections with some of the girls. I reacted so strongly, my heart wasn't in it for the other sororities. I just couldn't bring myself to try to get back into it. I'm looking forward to possibly be a part of the new chapter. While they were giving their informational I did feel that they would be a good match for me.