Decided to rush last minute- a couple of questions

[CautiousSenior]

I guess I had a less than favorable opinion on greek life as a freshman, and then I was heavily involved with student groups as a sophomore and junior, along with wedding planning. Last year especially two of my organizations worked with several fraternity and sororities on philanthropy/social justice projects and it really changed my opinion on greek life. Now that the insanity of wedding planning is done and I'm settling into married life I'm looking to get more involved in campus life again.

Last year I was on e-board for two of the organizations I was in, and I decided not to run for re-election because at the time I felt overwhelmed and I didn't see this year being any easier. I think that was the main reason I signed up yesterday for recruitment- the semester has been TOO empty, and I feel very passionately about the philanthropies of several of the sororities on my campus. Of course, I'd be thrilled to be in ANY of them, and even if it was a sorority whose philanthropy I had not worked with before, I'd love the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the philanthropic culture of our city.

The grad program that I am looking into has a strong focus on community service and leadership development, so I can see myself remaining involved in greek life just because of the encouragement to be active members of our living/learning communities.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by CautiousSenior

I guess I had a less than favorable opinion on greek life as a freshman, and then I was heavily involved with student groups as a sophomore and junior, along with wedding planning. Last year especially two of my organizations worked with several fraternity and sororities on philanthropy/social justice projects and it really changed my opinion on greek life. Now that the insanity of wedding planning is done and I'm settling into married life I'm looking to get more involved in campus life again.

Last year I was on e-board for two of the organizations I was in, and I decided not to run for re-election because at the time I felt overwhelmed and I didn't see this year being any easier. I think that was the main reason I signed up yesterday for recruitment- the semester has been TOO empty, and I feel very passionately about the philanthropies of several of the sororities on my campus. Of course, I'd be thrilled to be in ANY of them, and even if it was a sorority whose philanthropy I had not worked with before, I'd love the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the philanthropic culture of our city.

The grad program that I am looking into has a strong focus on community service and leadership development, so I can see myself remaining involved in greek life just because of the encouragement to be active members of our living/learning communities.

For the most part, women don't choose NPC sororities based on their philanthropy - and vice versa. The mutual selection process that goes on is basically "I like you, and you like me. Let's spend more time together." It has nothing to do with "being an active member of a living/learning community."

Also, just because a sorority's philanthropy is (random) literacy awareness, it doesn't mean that chapter actually goes out and teaches people to read. It may mean they put on a big pancake breakfast once a year and then send the national foundation a check.

When your orgs worked with GLOs last semester, did you get to know any of the members personally? I don't mean as add me on facebook friends, but as people you would actually spend time with. If you did, did any of them ever approach you about wanting to become a sorority member?

[CautiousSenior]

Originally Posted by 33girl

When your orgs worked with GLOs last semester, did you get to know any of the members personally? I don't mean as add me on facebook friends, but as people you would actually spend time with. If you did, did any of them ever approach you about wanting to become a sorority member?

I got to know a few of the ladies, but they were all upperclassmen (we worked on a joint planning committee). We never had a conversation about joining a sorority, but I never asked either.

I'm getting nervous, but I'm sure I'll find something to like with each group. From what I'm reading (and what I've witnessed at the student union the past several years) it's an intense weekend, so I'll stay positive and remind myself that if I'm lucky enough to be offered a bid, it's more than many girls ever get, and to cherish the opportunity to make new friends, quite possibly with people I would not have met otherwise. I met some great girls when we met with our recruitment counselors last night for kickoff, and there was another senior in my group- so I'm glad to not be the only one!

Wish me luck!