Colonization?

[OhThatGirl88]

Hey Ladies,

Formal recruitment starts at my school tomorrow, and I am exceptionally excited. I didn't rush initially at uni because I was a collegiate athlete, but an injury has ended my career. I've decided to rush this semester, but I am worried that my upperclassmen status may hurt.

Sorority XYZ is colonizing at my school this year, and I have contacted reps from nationals. They will be participating the first night of formals, and then coming back later to do their recruitment. I'm caught in a pickle:

I do see myself being an XYZ. I am strongly drawn to their philanthropy, I like what I've read on their website, and I just feel "comfortable" with the idea of being an XYZ.

However, I also see myself being an ABC. I know several girls who are ABC's and they are the sweetest in the world. Additionally there are several other sororities on campus, and from what I've read, I know I'd feel at home in ANY of them.

I've always been a leader, and I feel that XYZ is a "best fit" because I *am* an upperclassmen, but I'm at a loss as what to do. Should I drop out after first night and persue XYZ exclusively? Should I go all the way through and see how prefs pan out?

Any advice?

[PenguinTrax]

I think you should continue through with Recruitment as planned and see how it goes. If, at the time prefs roll around you do not feel comfortable accepting a bid from one of the existing chapters on campus, withdraw and participate in the colonization activities.

Depending on your campus, your class standing may or may not hinder you. Noone can say without details and quite honestly, you've identified yourself pretty well, so I wouldn't go any further and name your campus. In other words, don't shoot yourself in the foot.

[OhThatGirl88]

That's precisely why I left it so vague. I've seen what happens if people go too far and other GC'ers can pick them out of a crowd on their campus. No thanks, I'd prefer to not go in with a target on my back.

[KSUViolet06]

I'd say go ahead and go through recruitment and see how things turn out. Be open minded about every sorority on campus. You never know, your opinions could change about where you "see yourself." If it doesn't work out, then you can still participate in colony recruitment. Also, if you go through the colony recruitment and don't get bid there, you will have missed out on formal recruitment for the year.

[Kansas City]

You won't loose anything by participating in formal recruitment. Go in with an open mind and learn more about the other chapters on campus along with the Greek atmosphere and then make the decision to join an existing organization or colonize a new one.

The good thing about joining a colony is that you can make the chapter whatever you want it to be but at the same time, the existing chapters have an established style and personality for you to consider. Also, I would guess that a colony would be significantly more work and as an upperclassman, you will have to be honest with yourself and decide if the added work is worth a chapter that you will be graduating from in a few years.

Oh the decisions ... good luck!