Hello everyone! I've been lurking around GC for a little while now, probably about a year, and have finally decided to post something and hopefully get some helpful feedback!
I'll be attending a new university this fall after graduating with my AA from a small state college. I had originally planned on attending the branch campus of a very large/southern/well-known university in the next town over from me but have since changed my mind. The quality of the education there would have been amazing but the fact that it was a small branch campus made the student/campus life almost non-existent. Plus, the hour long drive and no on-campus living options make it a bit of a struggle in my eyes! I started to research the other, much bigger state university that's located a couple hours from me and really liked what I saw as far as academics, student life and campus activities are concerned. I made the decision to transfer there instead and I'm really excited for this new chapter in my life.
SO here's where I could the advice of all you lovely GCers! There's Greek Life at this university! The thought makes me extremely excited but extremely hesitant at the same time. I'm not sure what to do, so I'm coming to you for help.
I am not your typical PNM in several ways. First of all, I'm quite a bit older than the average girl going through recruitment. Compared to most girls, I'm probably considered ancient. The thought of being older than the other PNMs, as well as probably most everyone in any of the chapters, does not bother me. I've always been able to connect easily with people of all ages, both younger and older than me, and make friends with a variety of people. Secondly, I'm transferring in as a junior, not a freshman. And thirdly, my overall GPA is really not that impressive. You're probably all thinking that I may as well not even bother, but I'd like to explain and have your feedback, if you wouldn't mind?
I went to college straight after graduating high school with several scholarships and countless hours of community service under my belt. I grew up dancing competitively, competing in beauty pageants, horseback riding, sports ... You name it, I did it. I was originally going to attend a university out of town and rush with my friends, but my life circumstances changed very dramatically before that could happen. My mom was struggling pretty severely with her health and I was terrified of leaving town and not being there close to her so I ended up staying in town and attending the local community college. I attended for 4 semesters total - did GREAT for two and really struggled the other two. Between my mom's failing health and the emergence of my own health issues, I was just so stressed that I couldn't focus. I wound up dropping out halfway through my 4th semester to get the help that I desperately needed but unfortunately, I racked up a few Fs and Ws before that. My GPA suffered as you can probably imagine. Fast forward a few months and I was out of treatment, healthy and glowing and ready to take on the world again! Or so I thought. Long story short, I ended up taking several YEARS off school to "get healthy" and all that. During this time, I moved several states away to live with some relatives near the beach. The family thought it would be good for me to get away and see something besides the town I grew up in and they were right! I haven't even considered going home in the years that I've been here and I absolutely think that taking time off school for myself was the best thing that I could have done. Don't worry, my mom is doing GREAT these days.
So ^that really worries me when I think about going through recruitment. I went back to school and completed my AA this past May and have made excellent grades and have been super focused. My GPA this last semester was a 3.7, which I am quite proud of. However, even as well as I've done lately, it can't erase the past! My overall GPA from when I first started college to now is a little disappointing. I've done my best and have worked extremely hard to pull it up. I just wonder if it's going to be enough?
I grew up always thinking that joining a sorority would be something I would do, along with my friends. Obviously, I didn't have that opportunity before and I honestly didn't think I ever would again. All of the sudden, there's an opportunity knocking and I really want to open the door! I'm so cheesy, I know, but seriously! The school I'll be attending has a very small Greek presence on campus. I believe there are just 4 chapters. If this school was a huge southern school, I wouldn't even dream of rushing. I'm sure I wouldn't have a chance and that's okay! But I really feel like giving it a shot here.
For what it's worth, I do have a couple of recs to two of the chapters and am working on the other two. I have been doing some volunteer work and community service over the last few years as well. I feel like I have a likeabe personality and like I said before, I make friends and connections relatively easily and am fairly outgoing when it's appropriate. I feel like I at least owe it to myself to TRY and go through recruitment, even though I have some things stacked against me. If I don't do it, I'll never know right?! I so badly want the "full university experience" and to make the most out of my remaining years. I know for many girls, Greek life is a huge part of that and it's the same for me! I've watched my cousins and friends experience the joys of sisterhood and everything that comes with it and I want it so bad!
Sorry, I know this is really long! Thanks for reading to the end and thanks in advance for any advice you have to give. I don't mind honesty for sure, please don't just tell me what you think I want to hear. I know that rushing at my age and with my past is out of the ordinary.
Am I completely out of my mind or do you think I ought to give it a shot?
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