Plegdes wearing letters???

[agzg]

Don't you even dare bring Michelle Obama and that fabulous (not fabulous in any other picture) dress into this argument.

[knight_shadow]

I'll do what I want. #ThugLife

[agzg]

Is this hating, or mess?

[nvaphi373]

Our pledges are allowed to wear letters, as long as they are less than 4" in height. Pins are not allowed to be worn until after their initiation.

[lucgreek]

Originally Posted by nvaphi373

Our pledges are allowed to wear letters, as long as they are less than 4" in height.

Do you run around with a tape measure making sure the letters are less than 4"? (God help the pledge with 4.5" letters)

[kddani]

Originally Posted by nvaphi373

Our pledges are allowed to wear letters, as long as they are less than 4" in height.

Why the size limit?

[excelblue]

Originally Posted by kddani

Why the size limit?

I'd imagine it's so that fat pledges (who need to wear XL shirts) can't taint their reputation with hugely-visible letters...

Sorry, can't resist!

[Gusteau]

If their stitched letters, anything over 4" is tacky IMO. Have you seen those heinous 8" letters - blech!

[jnowak530]

My chapter only allows the pledges to wear a pledge pin; many of them do choose to wear the fraternity colors during that time. After initiation they are allowed to wear the TKE letters, crest, member pin, etc...

[agzg]

Originally Posted by kddani

Why the size limit?

My guess is because 4" is the "typical" size of a block lettered shirt, and if they have to let new members wear letters (stupid HQ!), they need to find some other way to demean the new members?

[rollthedice]

When I was pledging I was not allowed to wear letters or anything relating to the sorority with exception to our pledge pins/ribbons (and bid day shirts which had screen printed letters). That being said, orders for apparel went out while we were pledging and we were allowed to order apparel. Once we were initiated our "moms" presented us with our first set of letters. I believe that my letters are much more special to me because I had to "earn" them. Just my opinion though.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by rollthedice

because I had to "earn" them

Earn them? It sounds more like your gratification was delayed, thereby making the experience more meaningful for you.

[kateee]

I am a new member of Chi Omega. My chapter allows us to wear letters from bid day on, but encourages us to wait until our new member retreat. We used it as a bonding activity. Our "Owl Pals" (an older girl who left us letters every day for a week, and a gift at the end) gave us a tee shirt and a fabric they thought we would like the night before the new member retreat. Then we made iron on letters. This upcoming Monday is big/little and I will get my first stitched on letters.
I know a lot of other organizations on campus don't let the girls wear letters until initiation. For "All greek letter day" on my campus, some of the older Chi O's lended shirts and sweatshirts to the younger girls so we could feel like we were a part of the group, and because there was a picture. None of us new girls really have stitched letters of our own despite the fact that we can own them, unless they are hiding them in the closet until it is appropriate to wear them. We are all waiting to see what our big gives us!
I understand the reasoning behind waiting for initiation. We don't wear a pin or ribbon at all during our new member period, while others make their new members wear one. We are small (the ceiling for sororities on my campus is 35) so we know everyone, and every girl understands what an honor it was to get a bid. I like that I can wear my letters. I have wanted to be in a strong sisterhood like Chi Omega since second grade, when I saw my older cousin join her sorority. To me, even if I don't know what the letters may mean or anything, it already has its own personal meaning. I know that Chi Omegas are strong, successful women, and all the Chi Omegas I have met are sweet, caring, beautiful, intelligent, and to be invited to be a part of that makes me feel great. I will wear my letters with great pride for the rest of my life. Knowing the meaning will only add to what makes them special.

[AZTheta]

Originally Posted by kateee

I have wanted to be in a strong sisterhood like Chi Omega since second grade, when I saw my older cousin join her sorority. To me, even if I don't know what the letters may mean or anything, it already has its own personal meaning. I know that Chi Omegas are strong, successful women, and all the Chi Omegas I have met are sweet, caring, beautiful, intelligent, and to be invited to be a part of that makes me feel great. I will wear my letters with great pride for the rest of my life. Knowing the meaning will only add to what makes them special.

Wow... I think about your original thread, and how you were so full of doubt and unhappiness. You stuck it out; you didn't quit; and, the miracle happened. Worth waiting for, wasn't it?

You Get It. It's not the reputation, it's the true sisterhood that counts. Know and remember this: you can substitute ANY GLO's name for Chi Omega in your post, and that's how each and every one of us here feels about our own sorority. Do your best to live the values, and good things will come to pass.

Mutual respect and panhellenic love to you!

[ElvisLover]

Ditto what AzTheta said! It truly is all about the sisterhood!!