Opinions on this idea, please.

[nomoreexcuses]

Hi all,

I am just wondering if you would be willing to share your opinions. I am a 30 year old, married mother of a little girl who is finally finishing her college degree. Out of high school, I did attend college for a time (went through rush but it ultimately didn't work out for me...long, boring story about me being naive and immature.) but then got offered what I thought was a "good" job, quit school, worked, got married, had a baby, etc. I am now finishing my degree at the PERFECT school for me. My school is geared only towards adult learners, most of whom are working parents like myself. Although most of us don't have a ton of time for outside activities, I do believe that service and friendship should be important aspects in everyone's life. Even though I'm busy with work, school, and my little girl, I do still make time to volunteer in the community and spend time with my girlfriends. Lately it seems like at school I have met more and more women like myself who would like to belong to some sort of organization. Also, many women at my school are about 10 years older than I am and their children are older and not needing them quite as much. They are finding themselves wanting an activity of their own.

Soo...I was thinking of starting a sorority. Wait, wait...not a traditional sorority. I was thinking of either a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi or Epsilon Sigma Alpha. There is not a chapter of either (or anything similar) in our entire state. I've had trouble getting a response from Beta Sigma Phi but I have had a very encouraging response from Epsilon Sigma Alpha, who not only understands that we are a non-traditional college with older adult students, but who also thinks that their organization could work well on our campus. They feel we could operate a collegiate chapter even though we are non-traditional. I'm a little confused as some information references it as women-only while others seem like it's co-ed. I'm open to either, although I prefer women-only.

I have read through the threads on AI and I have seen that a lot of women come here thinking that they can join sorority post-college and seem to be attempting to live some fantasy that they missed out on years ago. I can assure you that is not my desire. While it seems like you sorority women here have a great time, I know my time for that has passed. I'm really interested in friendship and service organization.

So my question is...does this seem like a good idea? Or a dumb one? I don't know exactly what I'm getting myself into as there aren't any chapters already established here. I'd love to do something like this, but I know I might just be getting excited over nothing. What do you all think?

[aopirose]

I think that if ESA is the best fit for you and your campus then give it a shot. From what I know about ESA, they do provide a variety of membership options that could involve the whole family. That is not what you are seeking right now so don't worry about that part. Concentrate on the Collegiate Chapter option. If you don't try then you will always wonder, what if? Good luck!

[Kansas City]

I applaud your energy and motivation. Being 30 something myself, I can't imagine trying to balance college, work, volunteer service, family and children all at the same time. I am very impressed! This being said, starting a chapter can be very time consuming. I personally would consider looking for service and friendship in a less structured/more flexible group but if you are set on that "Greek experience", good luck! I'm not sure that I could do it.

[nomoreexcuses]

Originally Posted by Kansas City

I personally would consider looking for service and friendship in a less structured/more flexible group but if you are set on that "Greek experience", good luck! I'm not sure that I could do it.

Thanks for the input. That's what is a bit concerning to me. I do want SOME sort of organized structure, but I do wish there was already an established chapter available. I know I can make the time to commit to a chapter that is established; I am not positive that I can be available enough to start one. I have a great husband and I work from home, so that allows me to manage my time a bit easier than other working parents, but still. While I'm not necessarily intent on a Greek experience, I haven't found ANY other organizations that provide the experience I was hoping for. Hmm...more thinking to do!

[nittanyalum]

I think I recall when I was reading the Beta Sigma Phi website (because I was unfamiliar with them when I first heard the name) a mention that they have "online chapters". I have no idea how that works, but that might be something to look into as a start. I have no suggestion where to begin with that, other than to assume you should contact their national office to ask about it.

[Tom Earp]

Sorry, but I may not understand OP post?

She is a 30 year old mother with a daughter who is graduating from college?

Years just don't seem to add up here for the math.

[nomoreexcuses]

Yes, you read that correctly; my 19 month old is finishing up college.

Sorry...I realize my OP didn't read clearly. She's a smarty, but not that smart. It's me, her grammatically challenged mom, in college. And believe it or not, I'm done with all of my English courses. Ooops.

[PhiTheta337]

I think she is saying that she is finishing her degree and she has a little girl

[nomoreexcuses]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

I think I recall when I was reading the Beta Sigma Phi website (because I was unfamiliar with them when I first heard the name) a mention that they have "online chapters". I have no idea how that works, but that might be something to look into as a start. I have no suggestion where to begin with that, other than to assume you should contact their national office to ask about it.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did email the office who asked me for my info to see if there's a chapter in my area (there isn't one listed online but perhaps there is a new one not listed yet). I am waiting to hear back, and when I do, I'll inquire about the online chapters as well. The ones I've looked into so far require that you are already a member who is no longer affiliated with a land chapter, but perhaps there are some for new members too.

[nittanyalum]

Originally Posted by nomoreexcuses

Yes, you read that correctly; my 19 month old is finishing up college.

Sorry...I realize my OP didn't read clearly. She's a smarty, but not that smart. It's me, her grammatically challenged mom, in college. And believe it or not, I'm done with all of my English courses. Ooops.

Your post read fine, that particular reader is the one with the comprehension issues.

[Buttonz]

Originally Posted by nomoreexcuses

Thanks for the suggestion. I did email the office who asked me for my info to see if there's a chapter in my area (there isn't one listed online but perhaps there is a new one not listed yet). I am waiting to hear back, and when I do, I'll inquire about the online chapters as well. The ones I've looked into so far require that you are already a member who is no longer affiliated with a land chapter, but perhaps there are some for new members too.

Unless something has changed since I was looking into them, you need to be a member of a land chapter before going ahead and joining an on-line chapter.

Good luck whatever you decide to do

[violetpretty]

ESA sounds like it may be a good fit. Have you talked to women from ESA HQ? Ask them more questions about starting a chapter, time commitments, etc. They should be able to give you an idea of what it is like to start a chapter of their sorority.

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by nomoreexcuses

Yes, you read that correctly; my 19 month old is finishing up college.

HIGH FIVE!!!
A newbie and you already caught on to Earpus. Just ignore him and he might become invisable (or sober-up)

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

HIGH FIVE!!!
A newbie and you already caught on to Earpus. Just ignore him and he might become invisable (or sober-up)

. . . and winged monkeys might fly out of my butt! (family joke -couldn't resist)