Finally!!!!!!!! - Page 2

erica812 · #16 02-07-2003, 12:09 PM

Well, of course, I think you should go with your gut instinct. If you feel that by joining the established chapter you will always regret having not helped to bring about a new group of Beta Sigma Phis or if you will regret not having sisters your own age, go with the Friendly Venture. On the other hand, if you feel confident that you could join the established chapter and throw your whole heart and soul into embracing and developing the sisterhood that is already there, accept the invitation. However...if it were that easy, you wouldn't be in this situation

My experience has been similar to yours. I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega, but as an undergrad, I really felt that I had missed out on the loving sisterhood I saw in the GLOs around me. I discovered Beta kind of by accident, and I waited and waited to be invited to a function. I was finally asked to visit a nearby chapter of middle-aged women. By that time, I had already talked to a few people about starting a Friendly Venture, so I felt torn! I didn't want the local Betas to think that I didn't like them or that they weren't good enough, but I knew that with a Friendly Venture, I could create the sorority experience I had always craved.

At our last chapter meeting, each member wrote a note to every other member on an index card. Then, each sister made a book of the notes that were written to her. After reading the messages from my sisters, I knew I had made the right choice. Most of them thanked me for helping them to meet these great women who they probably would never have come to know without Beta Sigma Phi. I thought I might explode with pride and happiness. I finally found my home, and I helped others to do the same.

I don't want to push you into doing the Friendly Venture, but I do encourage you to think about what you want to get out of your sorority experience. Can the existing chapter meet your needs or are you up to the challenge of creating what you desire?

Good luck! Either way, you will soon be welcomed into a world-wide family. I can't wait to call you my sister.

Beta Love as Always!

Erica

MTSUGURL · #17 02-07-2003, 04:37 PM

Erica thank you so much! If not for you, I wouldn't even be interested or know anything about Beta. Your post gave me some things to think about, and although I'm still not 100% sure on what I'll do, it is helping me to clarify some things. I told everyone last night about you posting about Beta and hearing about it through you, and they were terribly impressed that one girl's enthusiam sparked so much interest. I thought what I'd do if I decided on the FV is send the other chapter a thank you letter and tell them what I've decided. I have talked to one sister about it, and she said that if I decided to do the FV, that they would be willing to help. I'll let you gals know what I decide!

Thanks!
Crystal

MTSUGURL · #18 02-11-2003, 05:05 PM

I met with Delaney today to get some fliers and talk about our first meeting, which is March 2nd. I'm so excited! I'm talking to some other girls later tonight about coming! It's finally underway!!!

Crystal

erica812 · #19 02-14-2003, 09:34 AM

I'm so excited for you, Crystal! You have been patiently hanging on here, and you SO deserve to be a Beta Sigma Phi. I can't wait to hear about your Friendly Venture experience! Keep us updated.

Erica

OrigamiTulip · #20 03-02-2003, 11:39 AM

Hope all goes well today!

MTSUGURL · #21 03-02-2003, 05:28 PM

Well, after getting to know the girl that wants to start the new chapter, I decided to join the chapter that is already established if I'm invited at the next meeting. She's been very negative, and let us know that "she's in charge and will be deciding who gets in". She is anti-party to the point of she wants to do ONLY service projects. I do volunteer work on my own - I would like some of the funs stuff too, thanks! The other chapter is somewhat older than me, but they've been so sweet and there are several new women joining. They really go out of their way to help people, and t's obvious how much fun they have and how much they sincerely care about each other. Thanks for all the encouragement and listening to me go back and forth!

Crystal

BSP_Nicole · #22 03-03-2003, 05:54 PM

MSTUGURL,

I am in the same situation that you are in. I am 24, and the sisters of Gamma Mu chapter range in age from 35 to mid-60s, with the majority in their 40s and 50s. It does feel a bit odd to be the "baby", but my sisters are so open and caring and fun that the age difference hasn't made a bit of difference. Yes, I do wish that there were more sisters my age in the chapter, but I know that we are always recruiting, so it will happen sooner or later. All I know is that the love that my sisters show is greater that our age span.

Beta love,

Nicole

erica812 · #23 03-04-2003, 03:41 PM

Crystal,
At least you don't have to worry about how you will make a decision! I am so happy that you have finally found a chapter that fits you well. Nicole is right. As long as you feel supported and loved and you're having fun, the age won't matter so much.

Of course, I am glad that someone is trying to start a new chapter, but the negativity you described sounds a little scary. And...I really hope that this girl doesn't take the "selection" of members TOO seriously. I just hate the idea of deciding who "gets in." Beta Sigma Phi is about forming friendships not creating enemies.

Anyway, I am really looking forward to hearing more about your journey. Good luck.

Erica

bsp-mich24 · #24 03-15-2003, 08:34 PM

Please bear with me I'm still learning this "Greekchat thing".

I was a just re-visiting the “Finally” posting from Crysal, Nicole and Erica.
Quotes:
Originally posted by MTSUGURL
“Most have children my age or in high school.”
“...this chapter is somewhat older than me, but they've been so sweet and there are several new women joining.”

And

Originally posted by Nicole
“I am in the same situation that you are in. I am 24, and the sisters of Gamma Mu chapter range in age from 35 to mid-60s, with the majority in there 40s and 50s. It does feel a bit odd to be the "baby", but my sisters are so open and caring and fun that the age difference hasn't made a bit of difference. Yes, I do wish that there were more sisters my age in the chapter, but I know that we are always recruiting, so it will happen sooner or later. All I know is that the love that my sisters show is greater that our age span.”

Its good to know I'm in good company with just about all of you “young’ns” (like I can talk – 36 isn’t too old) to be in the same situation as Crystal & Nicole. At 1st when I started reading through the posts we did not seem to have much in common other than being new Beta Sig’s. I thought I was the only one in this forum at first until I re-visited the posts again. The Age Factor is all relative; I view 55+ years old as being older – you know the age one start getting or qualifying for the senior discounts (so I’ve got about 19 yrs to go) lol. In Xi Gamma Tau, out 16 members there are approx. 3 in there 40’s, the majority in their 50’s and 2 in there 60’s.

I also agree with Crystal, Nicole and Erica replies – its nice to be with peers closer to your age but in BSP age doesn’t matter UNLESS you are talking about 25th, 50th years of service, etc. When it comes to service projects, its good to have some experienced members so your not re-inventing the wheel so to speak.

cutetiger · #25 04-13-2003, 09:00 PM

bump

MTSUGURL · #26 04-14-2003, 07:26 AM

I'm revisiting Zeta Chi starting next month. Whoo hoo for me!

(I'm currently on a caffeine high.) They vote on me after I've been to 3 events, which is 2 monthly meetings and a social, so I've got 2 - 3 months to go. You gals are awesome to be so supportive! Hope everyone is had a great weekend!

Crystal

MTSUGURL · #27 04-24-2003, 08:22 PM

I honestly have no idea. Email membership and go to www.betasigmaphi.org. You should be able to find something out there. Good luck!!!

Crystal

erica812 · #28 04-25-2003, 09:10 AM

Hi! Welcome to the Beta Sigma Phi Forum. I am so glad that you are interested in learning more about Beta. Many of the ladies on this board are new to the sisterhood. We have several women who are searching for chapters, starting chapters, or simply enjoying the chapter they now call HOME! I officially became a sister in November, and the experience has been wonderful. I spent all of last summer looking for a chapter, and then in the fall, I began building a new chapter of my own. It was hard work, but in the process, I've made great friends and treasured memories.

Crystal gave you good advice. Go to the Beta Sigma Phi website (that she listed). Take a look at www.betajournal.com as well. Then, e-mail the Membership Department (membership@betasigmaphi.org). They will be able to tell you about nearby chapters, and they will even send out your name to the chapters if you decide that you do want to rush Beta.

Most importantly, come back to GreekChat!!! We love a new "face."

Good luck!
Erica

lwing · #29 06-13-2003, 02:29 PM

You could have the best of both worlds and ask the existing chapter to be advisors for the new chapter and do joint socials etc. That way you have their support and friendship, they have you, and you have a young chapter your age and the area has a new Ritual chatper to help build Beta Sigma Phi in the area. It's a win, win situation. Good luck.

lwing · #30 07-14-2003, 10:56 AM

I'm so glad to hear it! New sisters are the best news we can have. If you need help with anything, please let us know. International is always glad to hear from you and we are here to help you. Most of us are sisters as well, so we have a personal interest in your success!