Retro Recruitment.....with a different ending

[AlwaysSAI]

Thank you all!

I'm lucky that Alpha Gamma Delta chose me!

[Lyria]

Wow, this whole thread was just a wonderful read. <3
As soon as I saw your username, I just had to read your thread and you kept me hooked the entire time!
I loved seeing SAI being represented on here. Even though I'm not an SAI, I'm in Delta Omicron on my campus and I love every minute of it.
Reading your story has really solidified the notion that being apart of something means you have to put the effort forth. I didn't realize that when I went through formal recruitment my freshman year, but the following semester I pledge DO and learned that lesson and I feel so at home with them. <3
So, thank you for showing me that a non-NPC path is just as rewarding as long as you put in the effort.

[alphagam<3]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

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."

This gave me chills!!

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

I did not immediately accept the invitation from International Council. No matter what my sister's opinion, I felt that being honored as an alumnae initiate deserved serious thought. I wasn't going to just join AGD so I could call myself an NPC member--for me to do it, it had to be more than just because I was a legacy.

I reflected on my time with the girls of AGD. I remembered attending the Red & Buff formal in the winter of 2006. How the sisters shifted their actual dates around, so one of them could officially escort me. I remembered how, when my car broke down on my way for a visit, a group of them came to pick me up and when they arrived, they cradled me as I cried over my car. And, the formal of 2007, the sisters gathered to take a chapter picture but wouldn't let anyone snap, until I was in place. Any time I came to visit, the sisters of the chapter treated me as their own. Most of all, I remembered how the sisters rallied around me as I searched for acceptance at my university and celebrated with me upon my two initiations.

I wasn't privy to the inner meanings of Alpha Gamma Delta--but I knew her heart. If these women were at all indicative of her entire membership I knew I was honored to have been invited. I decided I had to accept. It was the only way I could give back to the fraternity that had given so much of it's own heart to me.

In early December, I was initiated as a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta. Many of the alumnae that knew me heard word of my initiation and came back to the chapter to witness it. Two different sisters had even saved me a set of sisterhood ribbons from the week's previous activities. The chapter had even assigned me a sister-mom that I'd been close with during my collegiate days (that was not my bio sister). Upon leaving the ceremony, I was bombarded by sisters who had known me for years. They couldn't stop talking about how long they had been waiting for me to become their sister. I was inundated with letter shirts, car stickers, cups, jars---it was amazing. Then, it dawned on me-these girls had not just become my sisters--they had been my sisters all along.

Upon returning home, I affiliated with the alumnae chapter in my area. During my first full year, I served as Ritual Coordinator. My second year begins in September and I am serving the chapter as Vice President. I attend any and all Alpha Gam events I am able to. And, my sister-mom has become one of my best friends. The following semester at the Feast of Roses, I received the "It Took You Long Enough" Award.

My journey to Alpha Gamma Delta was a long one, but it was one well worth it.

What a beautiful story- I am proud to call you a sister!!

[DoctorD]

AlwaysSAI - I'm going to PM you. I teared up, too!

I know you learned things on your own, but I'm going to make sure you get the latest edition of the Alpha Experience Magazine (our new member guide).

Proud to call you sister!

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by txAOII_15

thank you for sharing your story. AGD is lucky to be able to claim you!

I know I was certainly thrilled when she posted it on GC. And thrilled again when the announcement was in our Quarterly.

[AGDLynn]

Holy Squirrels!!

Sooo proud of you! I hope to finally get to meet you someday!

[AlwaysSAI]

^^^Didn't you mention somewhere that you were going to the installation for the Univ. of SC colony in 2012?

Girl, I am already on the list to be a Pearl Sister AND I am so going to the initiation. My sister works there--so you'll meet us both! And, convention 2012 is only a year away!

[AGDLynn]

Yep! Can't wait!

[KSUViolet06]

This is worth bumping. Not necessarily for the "years later I was invited to join as an AI part" (because honestly, not everyone is going to get to do that and this PNM had a very personal connection to this group), but for the "I didn't get a bid and my life did not fall apart" aspect.

[KSUViolet06]

Bumping.

[KSUViolet06]

Bumping this one!

[Alpha O]

What a beautiful story, AlwaysSAI. I'm glad that KSUViolet bumped it. You're a terrific writer and a wonderful member of all the organizations you are a part of. They are all lucky to have you and you them! I'm glad you found your three homes in the end.

It's so special that you are able to share Alpha Gamma Delta with your twin sister. I'm a twin and we've always hung out with each other's friends, so I felt like I could relate a bit to your sister's side of the story--I would have done the same for my twin if I had been in your sister's shoes (and if my twin brother had been a twin sister ).