Should I try to participate in colonization? - Page 2

MerryGPhiB · #1 01-27-2008, 08:44 PM

Many moons ago, I was an International Rush Consultant for my organization and I worked with new colonies. It was such a wonderful and exciting time. I would encourage you to participate for all of the reasons mentioned above AND it is such a once in a lifetime opportunity to set new trends and learn about yourself and develop incredible leadership skills.

I guess my question would be what is causing you to be hesitant? Is it because it is different? You may want to list your specific concerns , if you are comfortable. or PM me.

Best wishes~ !!

Merry

bwaystar · #2 01-24-2008, 08:15 PM

I am currently going through the colonization process, It's a lot of hard work but i def learn a lot. I'm a sophmore and i have awesome positions it's a great leadership oppurtunity.

#3 01-24-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwaystar

I am currently going through the colonization process, It's a lot of hard work but i def learn a lot. I'm a sophmore and i have awesome positions it's a great leadership oppurtunity.

Perhaps your chapter could implement Spelling 101 into your chapter programming.

nittanyalum · #4 01-24-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTW

Perhaps your chapter could implement Spelling 101 into your chapter programming.

L. O. L.

LucyKKG · #5 01-24-2008, 08:39 PM

Oh yeah, I'll second the comment about it being a lot of hard work! Charter members have to be officers at the same time as they're new members. You have to learn about the structure and rules & regulations of your organization as you're living it. Regardless, being a charter member is an amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

honeychile · #6 01-24-2008, 10:27 PM

Honestly, I can think of no reason for you not to give it a try. Good luck!

AnchorAlumna · #7 01-24-2008, 11:10 PM

Don't hide the fact that you went through formal recruitment and were cut. The fact that you were a junior is probably the big reason. I wouldn't go in trumpeting that fact, but don't deny it.
You have a very good chance of being asked to join. A lot of times the people making the decision are part of an expansion team...with input and recommendations from your hometown alumnae.

Thetagirl218 · #8 01-25-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucyKKG

Oh yeah, I'll second the comment about it being a lot of hard work! Charter members have to be officers at the same time as they're new members. You have to learn about the structure and rules & regulations of your organization as you're living it. Regardless, being a charter member is an amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Ditto that! But despite all the hard work it is such an amazing opportunity!!! I thankful everyday that I did it!

maybepnm · #9 01-28-2008, 05:18 PM

Well, I wasn't sure if I was too old, since I thought my age might have been a factor in me not matching during formal recruitment. I'm also nervous because not matching during formal recruitment was pretty upsetting for me -- I started crying and called my mom after I got the call from my Rho Chi, as lame as that sounds -- so I'm a little reluctant to make myself vulnerable to rejection again, if that makes any sense?

KSUViolet06 · #10 01-28-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maybepnm

Well, I wasn't sure if I was too old, since I thought my age might have been a factor in me not matching during formal recruitment. I'm also nervous because not matching during formal recruitment was pretty upsetting for me -- I started crying and called my mom after I got the call from my Rho Chi, as lame as that sounds -- so I'm a little reluctant to make myself vulnerable to rejection again, if that makes any sense?

Honestly, most people are reluctant to put themselves out there again after not receiving a bid. Colony recruitment is slightly different though, and it's definitely worth taking a look at.

SWTXBelle · #11 01-28-2008, 05:28 PM

You've got to put yourself out there - rejection is tough, but when you apply for a job, go on a first date, or any one of a hundred other worthwhile ventures, you have to risk it. Colonization could be an incredible experience for you - the WORST that could happen is they say no - and as you know, life goes on after "no". On the other hand, they could say YES - and you could be part of an amazing sisterhood. I say, go for it! As I look back on my life, there are only a few things I regret doing, but LOTS of opportunities I wish I had not let slip by. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined ".- Thoreau

AGDee · #12 01-28-2008, 09:57 PM

As SWTXBelle said, the worst case scenario is that you are exactly where you are today. Best case, you will be in a new sorority with all kinds of leadership opportunities! Go For It!

PhoenixAzul · #13 01-29-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined ".- Thoreau

*golf clap*
I always liked that quote, it got me through a lot of anxiety about moving abroad.

I'd say go for it, If you never go, you'll never get in. If you go, you still might get rejected, but you've given yourself the opportunity to succeed. Good luck, knock 'em dead!

maybepnm · #14 02-19-2008, 03:18 AM

Quote:

You've got to put yourself out there - rejection is tough, but when you apply for a job, go on a first date, or any one of a hundred other worthwhile ventures, you have to risk it. Colonization could be an incredible experience for you - the WORST that could happen is they say no - and as you know, life goes on after "no". On the other hand, they could say YES - and you could be part of an amazing sisterhood. I say, go for it! As I look back on my life, there are only a few things I regret doing, but LOTS of opportunities I wish I had not let slip by. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined ".- Thoreau

Well, there's a kick in the butt

I want to thank you all for the advice and help you've given me...and now I have some more questions, LOL. I read in the school newspaper that organizations have been chosen to present, but I don't know any alumnae of the sororities that will be presenting, so I'm kind of worried about how I'll get a rec when Panhel does decide.

I honestly knew NOTHING about recruitment before I rushed last fall, so I have no idea about rec etiquette. But I'd like to talk to a member just to learn a little more about the sorority than the tangibles; I know I'd have the opportunity to ask questions during the interviews with national reps, but I feel like I should go into the interview with at least some sense of the organization. I guess it's that the interview process seems kind of serious to me, almost analogous to one of the days of rush AFTER the first day, when you go in with no clue what the chapter is about, besides what you've heard, so I should be entering an interview with more preparation than I did the first day of rush. Does that make sense? And even if it does, am I totally off base?

AnchorAlumna · #15 02-19-2008, 12:14 PM

Actually, in this case I wouldn't worry about getting recs. The sorority will do that, if it's a high priority with them. They would NOT expect you to have recs. If you or your parents know somebody who is a member of the group coming on, then certainly ask if they would write you a rec, which they can send to the group's international headquarters. PM if you like!
As far as dress...it couldn't hurt to dress up a little...like you said, business casual. Neat...well groomed...put yourself in the best light possible!