Blue Angel's News!

[blueangel]

I have some wonderful news! I have an initiation date!

Some of you already know, because I posted a letter of introduction over at the sorority-specific boards at the invitation of one of the board moderators. I was going to wait until after my initiation, but she felt that it was OK to introduce myself to the board since I have an initiation date.

I thought I was being low-key, but much to my surprise, word spread around Greek Chat! I must say, I am absolutely blown away and touched by all of the well-wishes and congratulations I have received from people belonging to all different sororities on Greek Chat! This truly is a wonderful community! I'm saving all of the posts and putting them in my new scrap book.

Things were in motion for about 2 and a half years-- but hit a bit of a stall. I did a Google Search on Alumnae Initiation and stumbled upon GC's AI board. I didn't even know this community existed until I was well into the AI process. It was so helpful and inspiring to read the AI experiences of others.

Thanks to Tiny Dancer, CutiePie 2000 and Penguin Trax for your help! I was so impressed that people of different sororities would care enough to go out of their way for me. I wanted to recognize them here so you could all see what wonderful women they are. Again, thank you Tiny Dancer, Cutie Pie and Penguin Trax!!!

So... here it is... my news....

I'm going to be initiated into Zeta Tau Alpha this spring!

I know some of you are curious, but I can't reveal exactly when and where-- as I'm going to go through collegiate initiation. As I'm sure you understand, I don't want to spoil the surprise date for the college girls.

I had promised you my story, so here is what I wrote over at the ZTA board...
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Hi everyone!

I wanted to say hello to all of my future sisters! I'm scheduled to be a ZTA special initiate this spring. I was going to wait until it was "official" to introduce myself, but Penguin Trax was kind enough to invite me in to share my story.

I think I'm ZTA's longest pledge ever! I pledged at the University of Florida more than two decades ago...yeah, I'm THAT old! I LOVED ZTA.. everything about it-- the girls, the creed and the deep history about the fraternity! The moment I stepped into the Zeta house, I knew I was home.

But, I was also an athlete, and I received a scholarship offer to train with the finest school in the nation in my sport. There was no ZTA there.

I eventually did return to UF, but I was so involved in athletic competition and training, I didn't feel it was fair to the fraternity. The girls assured me it was OK, but I felt too guilty. I never depledged, but also never was initiated.

It has been the biggest regret of my life.

I've saved everything from ZTA. I still have my original bid, my pledge ribbon, my pledge book, my fraternity stationary, my lavalier, and my ZTA clothing items. It was such a special time in my life, I cherished them.

Three years ago, I was surfing the net, and found an Alumnae chapter in my state. Now that I'm established in my career, I thought I might be able to help mentor some of the college ZTA's. I also wanted to get involved with the philanthropy, and wondered if, even though I had never been initiated, I might be allowed to get involved in some way.

I received a call telling me that, yes, I could help.. but not only that, that it might be possible to be initiated! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think this could happen!

It's been three long years since I first wrote my letter, and finally, I have received an initiation date! Can you imagine being able to go back and do something that you wished you had done the first time around?

This is so special for me, I can't even put it in to words. The women in the Alumnae Chapter have welcomed me with open arms and have been so supportive. It was funny, the first time I met them, I felt that special bond I first felt when I walked into the UF house during rush. You just know when something's "right."

Much thanks goes to Penguin Trax and to a DG named CutiePie2000 who helped behind the scenes.

It's so good to finally be going back "home!"