Curious about AI, but also uncertain

[iona]

Hi all!

I'm currently a senior at a university who was one of the "boo greek life" kids up until this past spring. It took awhile for me to see that all sororities weren't like the ones dramatized on television, and I got to know some girls in the chapters my school currently has (we have 3). It was really cool to see how involved these girls were and it gave me a fresh look; they are all brilliant young women who are actively seeking to better themselves, their sisters, and give back to the community. I only wish it didn't take me so long and I'm embarrassed for being close-minded, but better late than never?

I was going to pledge spring of my junior year and even went to a few information sessions for the three sororities on my campus. I felt a bond with one of them, but two factors discouraged me from moving forward. It financially wasn't feasible for me at the time (but I might have been able to make it work), but mainly the sisters warned me against attempting since upperclassmen typically do not get bids, at least at my university. Unfortunately, the girls that told me not to bother were from the one sorority I resonated with, and that admittedly made me take a step back and reconsider.

Now that I'm going into my senior year I wish I had a change of heart earlier, but that's water under the bridge at this point. I'm looking for what to do going forward. An advisor on campus sat down to speak with me about what I could do. She recommended that I look into becoming an AI. This advisor is an alum for a sorority not present on my campus, which does accept AIs. I also have friends in another sorority which they've talked to me about. So I guess I'm looking for opinions... I feel like maybe my reasons aren't "acceptable" for looking to become an AI. Do I have to only consider the sororities at my campus, or can I talk more with my friends in Sorority A or more with my adviser in Sorority B to learn more about theirs?

Just as a closing note... I know there are AIs that want to join for the social/collegiate aspect that they missed. I've already gotten that from sports and other clubs. What I want is to find a group that I can totally throw myself into, that has a philanthropy I can relate to and fully support, and that will give me something to actively volunteer in after I graduate.