Too old to join?

[AGDAlum]

When I was in my third year of college a 24-year-old sophomore pledged our chapter. She fit right in. (It didn't hurt that she looked about 16....and now, in her early 50's, she still looks a lot younger than her years.)

Thinking way back: my FIL was 33 when he matriculated at Cornell. He pledged Psi Upsilon and, evidently, he fit in okay with the youngsters. (Granted, he pledged in 1928....)

[33girl]

I was in ASA at Clarion.

I think if you go to open rush parties in the spring they will realize you are interested - until then keep being friendly to the sorority women you do meet! Good Luck!

[ThetaPrincess24]

I pledged as a 22 year old junior (almost senior) transfer. It really depends, onthe chapter and how the school is.


As for AI and Theta, Theta doesnt really do that.......House mom's that are not Theta, or aunts or mother's of Theta's that have contributed a lot of time and whatever to the chapter and that every one loves are the only people I know of that have done AI with Theta. Pretty much, if you dont get in as an undergrad, then you dont get in. I could be wrong though.....but I've never heard anything differently.

[Gammawolf]

Greetings all.

Gee, am I the only Fraternity Guy to respond to this thread? ;-)

Ah well, hope you gals don't mind hearing my two cents worth - and being from Canada, my Canadian two cents worth is worth a little less than an American two cents worth ;-)

But seriously, Amalia is not alone in her desire to go Greek at a later age. I have heard this kind of thing many, many times and I think it is kind of sad that older students are not really encouraged to participate in Fraternity/Sorority life.

Now, I understand that in many cases, social fraternal organizations on college campuses are designed to provide 'socialization' ie, a 'home-away-from-home' for young undergrads, but the fact is that nowadays, in the 21st Century, things have changed a LOT.

Many students now fit into the 'non-traditional' student category. Not all are young, 19 - 25 year olds with little life experience. Yet, there are many folks with a LOT of experience and the desire to participate who are denied the chance based on their age.

Well, I think that in this new Century, where everyone is working hard to eliminate prejudicial barriers to race, gender, sexual orientation and the like, we should also be paying attention to a type of bias that is still prevalent: Age discrimination.

I have the good fortune to be part of a fraternity which sees older students (Undergrads as well as Grad Students) as valuable potential members.

As a holder of more than one Baccalaureate degree, and now, an older student, I can certainly see how a person might miss out on the chance to go Greek while younger, but still want to contribute at an older age.

So, to Amalia as well as any others who still want to go Greek, I say: "Keep Trying!"

To the Recruiting and Rush committees of College fraternities and Sororities, I say: "Consider the value and experience of older people."

Mike Wolf

Gamma Beta Lambda Fraternity

[UKDaisy]

I really wish age didn't matter. B/c I would rush next year in a heartbeat. But, sigh - it does.

Which is sad b/c now that I"m older I respect everything a lot more. I swear I'd be a good asset!

[Gammawolf]

Hey Daisy.

Well, don't give up too soon. There are more and more non-traditional Sororities and fraternities out there then you may think I am sure.

You are right: No doubt you would be an excellent asset.

Wisdom and experience never comes cheap and is always well met in my fraternity - but then again, the men who originally founded my fraternity were all post graduates - the original founder was in his seventies!

I guess you could call us
'non- traditional' to be sure!

But then, when you consider that most 'modern' fraternities are based (even if loosely) on the Masonic model, you can see that a bunch of 'good 'ol boys' forming a fraternal brotherhood is not that unusual at all.

Regards.

Mike Wolf
Gamma Beta Lambda Fraternity

[mommag2]

I pledged in Spring 2003 at NAU. I am a proud member of not only GAO but also of being a member of our BETA CLASS. There was 3 of us in my class and I was the oldest at 30yrs. I am an undergraduate that took 5yrs off to "find" herself. I had always wanted to be Greek. I can never remember a time when I didn't tell somebody that I was going to be a Soror when I went to college, and now that I have found my HOME and I have the best sisters that anyone could ever want. Most of the girls are in the age range of 18-23. My chapter founders are all about 7yrs younger then I am , but I have much respect for them and they for me. My age was never an issue, because it just was'nt dicussed or rather the girls never made it an issue. So if you want to go greek find a house that is open to taking strong, bright females no matter how old. I did and I have never regretted it.

Oh one more thing.... did I mention that I am also the proud mother of a GAO legacy and she loves her Tias and her Tias love her completely

[LatinaAlumna]

Mommag2 brings up some interesting points. Don't give up! Amalia, perhaps you will have some luck investigating your options in other councils, if you have them at your school. Most of the cultural and multicultural greek organizations are open to people of all ages. I think the only difficulty you might run into with a non-NPC sorority may be the fact that you already have one degree, but I seriously doubt your age would be an issue. With regard to "fitting-in," I think you'd be fine because you can typically find a diverse range of ages, even in undergrad.

Edited to send some LGLO love to Mommag2 & the Gamma Ladies!