stay in or drop out?

[Hootie]

When I first joined my sorority I wasn't quite sure where I fit in. To top it off all of my friends had left the city for different schools. So I felt like I had a double wammie!
Just remember though, you only get out of it what you put into it!
Your first semester might be a hard one to get used to. Try to make the best out of it and stick it through. By Winter Break things might have changed and you may find yourself happier than ever!
Good Luck
Hootie

[mrblonde]

I can kind of feel what youre going through. I go to JMU and I thought it was big too, but after I was initiated it did seem smaller. My advice is wait it out...

[JMUduke]

Hi guys, thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it. I am going through initiation part 1 today, and I am excited, but I am also really nervous. I just don't know where I stand on the sorority, there are good times and bad times. Some of the sisters seem really sweet, but they also party hardcore. My big sister is sweet, but she's also a senior, living off campus and not really around a lot so we havent really connected at all. The other girls in my pledge class are nice of course, but they are all consumed with their own things, most are sophomores so they already have a click of friends that they spend all their time with. I always feel like the odd man out. I have the oppurtunity to live in the house next semester, but I still dont even know if I am going to stay. I just feel so overwhelmed by this school at times, and its hard when everyone I know already has their best friends here and they always are out and busy, while I spend some of my nights sitting in with my roommate watching movies....its easy to never be alone but always feel lonely.
Anyway, thanks again, I guess only time will tell, and perhaps initiation might give me a few ideas...

[PenguinTrax]

I think that you should live in the house next year - there is a bond formed by living in-house that's like no other. It will give you an opportunity to really get to know your other sisters.

That said - maybe it's time to take charge of your sorority destiny, so to speak. You've already made the first step, and that's going forward with initiation.

Next, take some initiative and start inviting different sisters to go out to various events. Get a group together for the pep rally, to go to the coffeehouse, to a movie, whatever. Start being your own social coordinator and before you know it, folks will invite you out more and more. Stop spending so much time at home - as the commercial says 'get out there'! The first time you call someone up it will be difficult, but it does get easier. Remember that these women wanted you around, and although they haven't shown it too well, I'm sure they still do want you around. Show them that you want to be there. Find another campus organization that has a lot of Greeks in the membership and join that group and get to know other students on campus.

Talk to your big sister - tell her how you feel. Tell you that you miss seeing her and set up a 'date' once or twice a month, just the two of you and hang out. Do the same thing with the other sisters in your 'family tree' and/or your pledge sisters.

Lastly, it sounds like you are still overwhelmed with school, etc. - maybe talking to a counselor in Student Health would help? After all, they are experts on this kind of thing and there are other students on campus that (I'm sure) are feeling the same way.

Congratulations on your upcoming initiation - I hope it is more wonderful than you can imagine!

[mmcat]

you are doing the right thing.
i echo ms. penquintrax. move into the house. get to know everyone better and let them help you get to know the school better and i suspect you will fit in just fine given some time.
hang in there sweetie.
mmcat
aka marianne

[justamom]

Excellent advice from those who know! Living in the house is a GREAT idea.

Just wanted to add a note to mmcat. Seems like we have similar schedules!!! Your posts are always enjoyable and filled with good advice as well. I always look forward to reading them.