May I have your thoughts?

[irishpipes]

I'll be honest, no matter the culture of the school, I think 25 is too old. You will be bossed around by 19 year olds, and by the time you graduate, you will be almost 10 years older than the average PNM.

[SoClassic]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

I'll be honest, no matter the culture of the school, I think 25 is too old. You will be bossed around by 19 year olds, and by the time you graduate, you will be almost 10 years older than the average PNM.

Do you think my age will bother the girls? Because it doesn't bother me one bit. I don't really see it as someone who is "younger" than me "bossing" me around. I have no problem respecting authority, and that's what it is to me - a group where some members have more authority than others, and their authority is earned. I can't say with absolute certainty since I haven't been in a sorority before, but I just can't see this being a problem for me at all. I've been in other situations (school, work, extracurricular) where there have been people younger than me in places of authority over me and it has never once phased me. That's life, ya know? I can respect someone's authority no matter what their age is .

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by SoClassic

Do you think my age will bother the girls? Because it doesn't bother me one bit. I don't really see it as someone who is "younger" than me "bossing" me around. I have no problem respecting authority, and that's what it is to me - a group where some members have more authority than others, and their authority is earned. I can't say with absolute certainty since I haven't been in a sorority before, but I just can't see this being a problem for me at all. I've been in other situations (school, work, extracurricular) where there have been people younger than me in places of authority over me and it has never once phased me. That's life, ya know? I can respect someone's authority no matter what their age is .

Yes, I think it will bother them. Freshmen are uncomfortable around seniors, for example. It may not bother you but that isn't the relevant or deciding factor. Honestly, it sounds like you want to be told to go through and yes, you'll get a bid. We can't tell you that. The only thing for you to do is try, and be prepared for whatever the outcome is. I wish you good luck!

[SoClassic]

Originally Posted by AZTheta

Yes, I think it will bother them. Freshmen are uncomfortable around seniors, for example. It may not bother you but that isn't the relevant or deciding factor. Honestly, it sounds like you want to be told to go through and yes, you'll get a bid. We can't tell you that. The only thing for you to do is try, and be prepared for whatever the outcome is. I wish you good luck!

Noted, thank you
I'm definitely not just looking for you all to tell me what you think I want to hear. I am very serious about pursuing this opportunity because I finally have a chance to! I'm not an idiot, I know that there are more things working against me than for me. I'm okay with this. I just want to try because if I DONT try, I'll really won't have the chance ever. I'm confident that I can go in and sell myself and give it all I've got and hope for the best.

Since last night, I've made the final decision to go ahead and register and get my recs sent in and commit to recruitment. Going in with a completely open mind and prepared to not receive a bid had ALWAYS been my plan. I think receiving one would be amazing and a great start to the rest of my college career. If I don't get one, it'll be okay, I'll definitely find my place. I'm going into a creative/artistic programs and I'm positive that there will be clubs and things to do within that, as well as campus wide activities and ways to get involved. So I guess with that all being said, any advice/direction that you ladies feel like giving that relates to my situation would be welcomed and very much appreciated!

And I mean, anything that you all feel like telling me, I'll listen to with an open mind and take it all with a grain of salt. So far I feel like I've gotten some nice feedback, so I thank you all for your replies.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by SoClassic

And I mean, anything that you all feel like telling me, I'll listen to with an open mind and take it all with a grain of salt. So far I feel like I've gotten some nice feedback, so I thank you all for your replies.

I have nothing more to contribute to this thread, except to say that I hope you either don't know what this phrase means, or that you accidentally used it in the wrong context. Please don't take what everyone here says with a grain of salt!

[SoClassic]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

I have nothing more to contribute to this thread, except to say that I hope you either don't know what this phrase means, or that you accidentally used it in the wrong context. Please don't take what everyone here says with a grain of salt!

LOL, using phrases in incorrect contexts is definitely a specialty of mine! Wouldn't be the first time. I don't mean that I'm going to take every piece of advice that I'm given skeptically. Not at all. What I mean is that I'm going to hear what everyone has to say and consider it seriously, yet maintain my own thoughts and not let the odd negative comment turn me off from the idea of recruitment. Some of you have been encouraging and some of you haven't, and that's totally okay. I asked for honestly and I'm pleased that I received it! My decision to go forward with recruitment wasn't based on the messages that I got here by posting my story. I consider every reply helpful and I only feel better about my decision.

NOW, since I've officially decided! Is there anything that anyone can offer advice-wise about the actual process of recruitment?! I've read countless stories and have been doing research for years, but I know nothing can honestly prepare you for something like this except experiencing it for yourself. Because I'm non-traditional, are there certain things I should/should not say? A certain way I should present myself that is different from what your typical PNM would do? I want to maximize my chances, obviously, so any ideas are greatly appreciated. I've got a mentor (one of my recs actually) who is already helping with outfits and all that jazz. She's been amazing! Anything else?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by 33girl

It's just when someone says a "state university" I think flagship (i.e. Alabama, LSU etc). Tomato - tomahto.

Originally Posted by SoClassic

Thanks for the replies! Yes, to clarify I suppose I mean "public" university, not STATE university.

Originally Posted by pinksequins

I too thought flagship since the OP stated she had decided against the branch campus.

Originally Posted by KDCat

When I hear "state university," I think the opposite of flagship. "State university" = schools like Illinois State, Alabama State, Eastern Illinois University, Southern Missouri State.

Since states have a variety of set-ups, this varies widely from state to state. Where I live, "state university" and "public university" mean the same thing—a university established and supported by the state—and there is no such thing as a "branch" university.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

I'll be honest, no matter the culture of the school, I think 25 is too old. You will be bossed around by 19 year olds, and by the time you graduate, you will be almost 10 years older than the average PNM.

If the school really is as commuter heavy as she says, that may not be the case.

[Smile_Awhile]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

I'll be honest, no matter the culture of the school, I think 25 is too old. You will be bossed around by 19 year olds, and by the time you graduate, you will be almost 10 years older than the average PNM.

At my university (private school, but sounds like the greek life environment is roughly similar), I saw firsthand one case in particular of an older (at least 23?) new member. She really was a good person, but our chapter was not the right environment for her. Like Irishpipes said, it was difficult for her to be "bossed around" by people years her junior, who valued very different things than she did.

My husband joined his fraternity at 23, and by the end of his college career, he wanted his degree and wanted to start his "real life"- a lifestyle he had already lived once before he went back to school. While he has a very independent personality, I think anyone (including myself, to be honest) is tired of certain things by the time you graduate college and have reached a certain level of maturity. You may (or may not) be more mature than these girls, and putting up with the immaturity can be difficult.

But, you don't know until you try- if you have your heart set, go for recruitment and get the feel of the chapters.