LouisaMay's Long Search begins...

[LouisaMay]

Dear GreekChat Gurus,

I have been a GreekChat regular observer for months, but it has taken me forever to finally take the first step in the AI process. I am feeling both a fear of rejection and a fear of regret. I know that if I don't go for it now, I will always regret having not pursued initiation in this fine sorority. At the same time, I think maybe I would feel better just knowing that once this sisterhood wanted me.

Here's my story:

I was an extremely DRIVEN high school student, and I didn't let up for a second in college. I was academically focused, but I was also searching for ways to gain experience in my field in hopes of having a dazzling career! I dove into college life head first--signing up for many activities and constantly looking for community service opportunities, while maintaining a full course schedule. Of course, being the go-getter that I was, I looked into sororities. In the campus sororities, I saw a chance to make lasting friendships, serve the community, and develop ties with alumnae. Perfect!

Well, I went into Rush my freshman year with NO CLUE. I had no idea what I was doing, so when I was asked back to all the sororities for the second round (of three rounds), I was dumbfounded. My Rho Chi said that I had to drop one group, and I had no idea what to do. I dropped the group at the bottom alphabetically. Stupid, I know. I had enjoyed all the chapters so much during my first night of Rush, and I figured I could be happy in any of the houses. I hadn't expected to have to make this choice, so I was really unprepared. I had to choose on the spot.

When it was time to pick up invites for Pref, I was in for a big disappointment. I had not been invited back to any of the chapters. In my opinion, the Rho Chi did not handle this well at all. She was like, "Oh! This never happens." How was that supposed to make me feel?? :( So, I left the Greek Life office, acting like everything was fine.

I went on with things. Kept busy. Made friends. Then, in the fall of my sophomore year, I was invited to an informal rush party at the house I had dropped the previous winter. I was so excited!! A sister came right to my dorm to pick my up. She walked me to her chapter house, showed me her room, and introduced me to a lot of the sisters. I discovered that I knew many of the newest sisters who could have been my fellow pledge sisters if I hadn't dropped. It was the most fun I had since coming to college! The girls were all so genuine and hilarious! After that night, I did a lot of research about that sorority, and I learned that I had a special connection with this org that I hadn't realized before (I won't explain 'cause that would give it away).

A few weeks later, I got a bid. But of course, it's not that simple! Just a few days prior, I was offered a top editorial position with my college paper. This was a huge deal for a sophomore, and I saw my chance to really excel. Writing and editing were my career goals, and I was so torn between my drive to succeed and my desire for sisterhood.

The sisters kept asking for my response, and I kept stalling. It was awful! Finally, after consulting with my family and my new boyfriend (who was decidedly anti-Greek), I declined my bid. :(

Now before you pull out your hankies, let me just say that I had a fabulous time in college. I continued working for the paper, and I am now using those skills and experiences in a wonderful career. However, I still regret having missed out on sisterhood. When I read about the great experiences on GC (especially in the forum of my goal organization), I feel so left out...and so stupid!

So anyway, here is my chance to redeem myself. I am going after this with everything I've got! No holding back.

Here's why this is the "Long Search." I am moving in about 9 months, and I don't feel that it would be fair to pursue the support of an alumnae club, only to leave in the near future. So in the meantime, I am connecting with a couple of my college friends who were members. I am hoping that these women can help me meet the local club near my new home when the time comes. I am also learning as much as I can about the sorority, its philanthropies, and its activities in the region to which I will be moving. There is a college chapter there and at least one alumnae club.

Well, that's about it. Sorry this got so long. I am really really really really really excited, and I've just been holding all of this in TOO long. I talked to my husband last night, and he supports me in this. He knows how much I regret missing Greek Life.

To avoid the generic ABC or XYZ, I am calling this sorority-of-choice Little Women (hence the screen name), after my favorite book.

Thanks for all of the wonderful information here. I feel well prepared, and I will be around a lot to cheer on all the PNAMs.

Go Little Women!

[GeekyPenguin]

LouisaMay, thank you so much for sharing this with us - I really hope you find your home in Little Women. I think your approach with your friends sounds great - that way you will know a lot about Little Women when you move to the new town, and your friends can help connect you with the Alumnae Chapter there.

Good luck!

-Kathleen

[tinydancer]

Good for you, LouisaMay!!! Since you have been "lurking" for a while, you know that there are many sisters here to help you. Just ask - no question is too small.

Best of luck to you with Little Women ( gotta love another book analogy)

Lizz
PNAM tinydancer ( hoping for Gryffindor)

[navane]

Hi LousiaMay!

Thanks for sharing your story with us! Having those "narrow misses" must have been difficult; but, you now have a new opportunity! I wish you the best of success with "Little Women".

Welcome to the PNAM club! :)

PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

[adduncan]

Boy, I sure see a lot of similarities between your story and mine, LouisaMay!

I am a firm believer that there are no coincidences: things happen or dont' for a reason. I'm approaching AI myself about 15 years after my initial rush, and I am sure that the time is finally right. Maybe that's the case for you too!

Welcome to GC! Be prepared to give updates of your AI pursuit-- that's become a tradition around here: to guess which PNAM is going where. :D

Adrienne
:)

[PsychTau]

Lots of luck, LouisaMay!!!

You say that your're moving in 9 months, and don't want to get started with the alumnae group in your current area. Will it take that long for AI in the group you are interested in? If it would only take a month or two, I say explore your options with the current alumnae club. I'm sure they would love to have you, and having sisters in your new area would make the move that much easier!! Of course, I don't know all the details of your situation, so you may have checked all of this out already.

Keep us updated on everything!!
PsychTau

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

I would agree with PsychTau. The year is about to begin for most alumnae chapters and the events should be heating up. Even if you ran out of time to make it completely throuh the process with the currently loacl chapter, you would have a great rec and a superb "in" for the chapter of your new hometown.

I'd say to inquire with your local chapter before you move and see what happens.

Good Luck!

[GPhiBLtColonel]

I echo what Melanie says -- go for it now! We're behind you and let us know if any of us can help -- Houstonchica and Cluey are both Gamma Phi Beta AIs now because we "met" first on GreekChat.

Only one more GreekChatter PNAM to go! ;)

[LouisaMay]

Do you really think I should?:D :eek: :) :confused:
As you can see, I'm really torn on this!

I would LOVE to get started now. I really really would, but I'm worried about a few things. Isn't the biggest challenge of AI the process of waiting to see if you click with the local alumnae since they are the ladies that you will be close to? Winning the support and confidence of one group then trying to join another seems like a good way to get my heart broken again. On the other hand, just having contact with any of the classy Little Women would be so exciting:D and I would feel like I was actually getting somewhere. I'm just afraid that joining one group when I KNOW that I am leaving will seem a little shady. Or do you think if I am upfront about it, the sisters would understand.

Also, I've been wondering ...should I even contact headquarters since the request for Initiation of an Alum must come from a local club? I am oh so tempted because I just want to feel like I am DOING something. (I hope I didn't give anything away with that comment!)

LM

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Be upfront about it without a doubt............

And yes, you should at least try to get going now. Contact the local alumnae chapter and see what their reaction is. All of us can only tell you what WE would do, the important thing is how they react. They may also agree with us.

The alumnae chapter should be having a number of events coming up and you should have plenty of time to meet the members. In my opinion the worse case might be that they invite you to all of their events but tell you that you'll have to wait until you get to your new home to actually initiate.

If it was me <putting back on my AC President's hat> I would not care too much (we have members who move ALL the time) that you were moving PROVIDED I was convinced you were going to stay involved at your new home. Our AC consists of younger women and we have quite a few who move here, get involved for a short amount of time, and then move and get invovled somewhere else. As long as you remain involved, I don't see teh big deal.

[bsp-mich24]

Hi LouisaMay,

Welcome to GC and the AI forum.:D

If you haven't already, you may want to read "Cutiepie2000's thread on the AI process. In summary, she says its better to contact the national HQ office and let them put you in touch w/ the local alum group near you and they can let the Prez or VP of the alum chapter have heads up that you will be contacting.

Before I found out about this thread and GC, I contacted a GLO's Prez that knew nothing about AI process and said no only collegians can join (after I read about it on that GLO's national webpage). They HQ might be able to put you in contact with an alum contact in the area you our moving to or let you know if there are any alum chapters .

Needless to say there is no chance on getting into that GLO after that. All other contacts I made to GLO's were made after contacting the HQ. I'm in a non-academic service GLO now (and just like others have said) you transfer your membership to other chapters across the US where ever a chapter exists. I know of 2 military wives in Beta now & it hasn't been a problem.
I'd say go for it & ditto what SmartBlondeGPhB said. Good Luck! :D

Michelle
PNAIM 2003;)

[pinkyphimu]

hurray!! one more ai story!! best of luck to you louisamay!! btw, i love your idea for calling the group little women!

if you are sure that there is an alum group in the area that you are moving to, i think that it would be great for you to get in touch with the women in your current area. depending on how far away you are moving, they may even have a contact person in the new chapter. if you do contact them, definately be upfront about the fact that you will be moving. as many others have said, there are plenty of people who move every year, so it is something that alum groups are used to!!

[LouisaMay]

I'm on a lunch break now, and I just thought I would check back AGAIN. Ahh! I can't stay away.

Okay...so first off, thank you to everyone who has already responded. This is so exciting, and I already feel a little more confident about this process.

So here is what I guess I'll do...I'll write to Headquarters about my situation and my hope of being an Alumnae Initiate. Perhaps they will help me get in touch with my friend who is a member AND the local alumnae club. I've spent several hours searching for my friend's contact info with no success. I'm thinking of contacting my college Alumni Office too since they may be able to put me in touch with her. I've already composed the letter, and if anyone would like to read it (with specific details deleted of course) and offer advice, let me know. I'll PM you.

And I found out about a club about 10 minutes from here and one within 15 minutes of the town I will be moving to. There is a college chapter about 35 minutes away. Yippee!!

LM

P.S. I have read CutiePie's post. Very helpful!! Thanks.

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

The Alumni Office of my college was very helpful in giving me the contact info for my little sister a few years ago.

[Jill1228]

Hey a fellow PNAM! Wishing you luck! :)

[LouisaMay]

Good news! My husband was an RA in college, and he still has his book of student addresses. I found my Little Women friend's home address (her home while she was a college student anyway)!!!!

I am hoping that her family can forward the letter to their daughter. We are recent alums, so I think this might work. If I don't hear anything back in a few weeks, I'll try another tactic.

Thanks everybody!!! Mmwhaw (big kiss):D

LM

P.S. CutiePie2000's list mentioned that some of the sororities have rules on how many years a PNAM has been out of school. I can't find any info about that on the Little Women website. Does anyone know any of the specifics?

[Tom Earp]

L-M, hate long names, cannot remember them worth a darn!

You could not have availed youself upon a better site for help and advice!

There are many, Many, MANY loving people on here who will bend over backwards to help and give good advice!:)

We all wish you the best of Luck in your Quest!

As you can see from reading posts, there are thos who as your self are just starting , those who are waiting, and those who have made it!

Becoming a PNAIM is a lot tuffer than just rushing in college! NO more hecktic of course! LOL!:D

Welcome to the Finest Site for Greeks and any help, We are all here to help!:cool:

There very Bestest to someone aspiring to what you seek!:)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
P.S. CutiePie2000's list mentioned that some of the sororities have rules on how many years a PNAM has been out of school. I can't find any info about that on the Little Women website. Does anyone know any of the specifics?

I know we don't have that rule, but I can't speak for the ones who do.

[bsp-mich24]

LouisaMay,

My knowledge is limited but the one thing I noticed is that the requirements for the # of years in college & the # of yrs out of college vary by sorority.

Depending on the GLO, some may waive time or # of yrs since college by a committee vote (it may also be waived if you are currently serving as a voluteer for the GLO such as "House Mom" or Chapter Advisor, etc.).

[LouisaMay]

Back again! Thank you all for your PMs and your support on the board. You've been great.

As I said, my heart is with Little Women. Everything I know about this sisterhood seems like a perfect fit for me. I love the history, the philanthropy, the women I have met in the past, and the Little Women members I've "read" on GreekChat. Even the symbols and colors reflect so much of what I already am. It's almost scary! However, I have read all of the AI threads here, and I just want to say that I am considering approaching another group if Little Women falls through.

I have done a lot of thinking about my true motivations in going after AI, and I know that my wish for initiation is about 80% centered upon what I can do for the group, 20% what the group can do for me. I have spent a long time developing communication skills and leadership experience, and I want to use these skills to help young women better themselves and their communities. I feel that membership in an NPC sorority is the best place for me make a difference, and in my research, I have found another group that could be a good match for me and what I can bring to a sorority.

I do not want the organization that I might consider in the future to feel like "second choice," and if I ever reveal that group, the sisters can feel assured that their sorority only came second because I didn't know anything about them when I fell for Little Women (I will not be approaching other organizations from my alma mater). I do believe that things happen for a reason, and I will find the best place for me. I think that Little Women could be "the home" I've been waiting for, but no place is truly home until you have been invited through the door and nutured there by people who love you for who you are. We'll just have to wait and see...

[LouisaMay]

Okay...so I was thinking that the whole 80/20 thing sounded sort of conceited. Sorry about that. I only meant that I am eager to give everything I can, and I am ready to work hard for Little Women. Just wanted to clarify...

LM

[GPhiBLtColonel]

I did not think you sounded conceited! Just please let us old alums (well I am old at least!) help you if we can OK?

[Tom Earp]

Listen to GPhiBLtColn.!!! She aint that old but!!! LOL! Love Ya CELE!

She is very sharp and has a Heart as Big as the Open Spaces! Oh, she also gives some great advice!:)

Just because Your Heart is set on one, dont let that detract you from others! There are Many, Many Great Greek Soroity Orgs. out there in Greek Land!:)

If you are like you say you are, I wish you were a Guy, Be a LX- A!:cool:

[LouisaMay]

Ha Ha! Thanks for the boost of confidence. There was a LXA chapter on my campus. They were a fun group of guys. A little crazy but definitely worth knowing:D

LM

[LouisaMay]

So I was wondering...should I send an e-mail to headquarters or would a formal letter be more appropriate? I would like to hear from PNAMs who received replies, AIs, and other alums. I'm so nervous about messing up right off the bat. I would like the speed of e-mail, but I also appreciate the care a formal letter demonstrates. What do you think?

I planned to have my letter/e-mail sent by now, but things got hectic with work.

LM

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

I would agree.

[adduncan]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
So I was wondering...should I send an e-mail to headquarters or would a formal letter be more appropriate? I would like to hear from PNAMs who received replies, AIs, and other alums. I'm so nervous about messing up right off the bat. I would like the speed of e-mail, but I also appreciate the care a formal letter demonstrates. What do you think?

I planned to have my letter/e-mail sent by now, but things got hectic with work.

LM

Email addresses are posted on websites for a reason. You'll get a quicker response and there's less of a chance your intro will get lost in the paperwork.

What I have done is write to the alum membership email and ask who would be the right person to contact, so as to introduce myself to XYZ. So far, that's been a good thing for me.

Good luck!

Adrienne
:)

[LPIDelta]

Hey LM!

I don't think the 80/20 thing sounded conceited at all. The reason I chose to AI my group was because I wanted to be a volunteer and get involved at the international level. I thought I had a great deal to offer and I wanted to make a difference for the current members by offering my passion and skills. I hope I've done that. And in the end, I think every AI needs to think about what they can offer to group they choose.

Good luck!! It sounds like Little Women will be lucky to have you!

[LouisaMay]

Oh, Boy!! I'm excited! I'll send an e-mail first thing Monday morning. I can't believe I've been able to contain myself this long:D I made a draft of a contact letter, and it was WAY too long. Now, I've cut it to like 1/4 of its original size. No reason to spill that whole story when I'm just trying to make contact, right?

Thanks for your comments, Heather17. That's the same way I feel. I would love to be involved with Little Women on the International level. Communications is my thing, so corresponding with chapters and alumnae all over the place would be so great for me!

Have a great weekend everyone.

LM

[LouisaMay]

Hooray!!! I made contact with a member of Little Women. I have been advised to contact another member who works with college chapters and alum clubs in my region of the state instead of contacting Headquarters directly. I am going to take that advice, and I will send an e-mail to my new contact tomorrow (after I've had a chance to get my thoughts together). I may have the opportunity to work with the chapter that Bid me:D Wouldn't that be fantastic?! I realize that they won't be the exact same women, but I'll still be at my alma mater with my favorite sorority:) LITTLE WOMEN!!!!

Happy Sunday!
LM

[GPhiBLtColonel]

OKAY....Am I the only one here who is dying to know what GLO little women is????????????????????

I can't stand the suspense...argh!


Keep the details coming and good luck!!:D

[AOIIalum]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
OKAY....Am I the only one here who is dying to know what GLO little women is????????????????????


I can't wait to find out either. Just a little hint (although I certainly understand the importance of discretion.) I love the Little Women name too, as it is my all-time "book to take on a desert island" choice!

Good luck to you, LM. I can't wait to read your next chapter.

Christin

[Buttonz]

Good luck! BTW, I to am a big fan of Little Women...awsome book! (Little Men and Jo's Boys were both good a lso)

[SATX*APhi]

I can't believe I am just finding this thread! Best of luck to you with your AI search! I wish you nothing but the best of outcomes. :)

[pinkyphimu]

lm-

that would be soooo cool if you got to help out the chapter at your alma matter!!! i am glad that things are going so well!

[LouisaMay]

Not a whole lot to say. I sent my message to the Regional Officer as promised. That was Monday. It's only Wednesday, and I'm already checking my e-mail like a mad woman:eek: I know I need to be patient...but it's so hard...especially after reading all those Rush threads, I just really want all that good stuff for myself:)

The message I received from a Little Women member (see earlier post) made me feel so positive about this experience. Even if I don't get the end result I hope for, I have a feeling that I am going to be connecting with a lot of fabulous women along the way. I have been impressed with every member I've known.

I'm going to be working on a project this fall that is closely connected with the Little Women philanthropy. Should I focus on that when talking to alums or should I play it down so I don't look like I'm trying to create the perfect "Little Women" image? Ideas?

LM

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

I wouldn't "focus" on it, but you could bring it up then talk abou tit more if you're asked questions. But, then I wouldn't focus on any one thing.

I can only speak for the alumnae I have been in contact with but depending how involved the alumnae are (i.e., some may only care about local things going on) some of them may not even have much of a clue about what is going on in terms of philanthropy stuff.

You will find that alumnae join the local chapters for many different reasons and many of them may join simply for the social aspects.

Hopefully this makes sense, the caffeine hasn't made it into my body yet.....

[LouisaMay]

Progress! Progress!:D
Yesterday, I got an e-mail from a "Regional Alumnae Officer" in the area to which I will be moving. This is the woman that I e-mailed just over a week ago. Her message was so postive and encouraging. She asked me to send a resume to her, and she will pass it on to the Alumnae Club. She also invited me to visit the Little Women house during Homecoming at my Alma Mater. I have to wait until October for that, but it will be worth it! This Regional Officer will be there, the sisters of the chapter that could potentially sponsor me will be there, and I suspect that other alums will be visiting. This is so exciting!

LM

P.S. Thanks "SmartBlondeGPhiB" for the advice. I will be sure to include my experiences on my resume, but I won't totally focus on philanthropy as my main reason for being interested in Little Women.

[pinkyphimu]

what exciting news lm!! have a great time meeting the pres on tues. i really hope that things go well!

[MelodyCat]

That's wonderful! :D Homecoming sounds like it will be both fun and really promising. I wish you the best. :)

[AAgammagirl]

hey SmartBlondeGPhiB-
i'm still wondering what group LousiaMay's interested in too. but...... Little Women.....4 women....4 founders??? hmmmm...
Good luck LouisaMay!!

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by AAgammagirl
hey SmartBlondeGPhiB-
i'm still wondering what group LousiaMay's interested in too. but...... Little Women.....4 women....4 founders??? hmmmm...
Good luck LouisaMay!!

Oooh...and 1874. ;)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by AAgammagirl
hey SmartBlondeGPhiB-
i'm still wondering what group LousiaMay's interested in too. but...... Little Women.....4 women....4 founders??? hmmmm...
Good luck LouisaMay!!

Sorry to disappoint you but we don't refer to them as alum clubs or Regional Officers so I doubt it's us..............

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Originally posted by AAgammagirl
hey SmartBlondeGPhiB-
i'm still wondering what group LousiaMay's interested in too. but...... Little Women.....4 women....4 founders??? hmmmm...
Good luck LouisaMay!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sorry to disappoint you but we don't refer to them as alum clubs or Regional Officers so I doubt it's us..............



I was thinking the same thing.....:(

[LouisaMay]

Ahhh...So the guessing begins, huh?;) Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I was using "Alumnae Club" and "Regional Officer" generically. So these terms aren't very accurate clues. To be honest, I'm not positive what the correct terms are for Little Women..........{searching for that info now, so I don't look like a dunce in future correspondence with Little Women}

I apologize for the false leads:)

LM

[LouisaMay]

More contact from the "Regional Officer":D :)
She said that the collegiate chapter has been notified, and the sisters are excited to meet me. My interest will be announced to the "Alum Club" at the September meeting. This is so exciting!!

I really wish I was moving NOW! I have another year of school left before I can finally be in the same STATE as my potential Greek home. {{{Patience vibes for me and all PNAMs}}}

LM

[DZHBrown]

Is anyone else dying to know what state Louisa May is going to?? :D Or does everyone already know but me? lol

[tinydancer]

I don't know but I sure would like to know!!!

[MelodyCat]

I don't know either, but I'm really curious!

*also sends patience vibes to everyone*

[Tom Earp]

While, no one wants to know more than me, I just say wait and see!:cool:

__________________________________________________ __

" I have Met Death and Won!" Well, it was a close race!:D

[LouisaMay]

It's been ONE month since I was placed on the hopeful list!

I sent my resume to the Regional Officer this afternoon. The Alumnae Club that may (hopefully) sponsor me is meeting on the 16th, so I could hear something new after that. As I begin to make plans to move, I continue to grow more and more excited. I really have something to look forward to at my new home. The month of May feels so far away! But I have Homecoming to look forward to and a ton of preparations to make before then, so the time will pass...slowly.

I've become obsessed with Googling "Little Women." I love to look at chapter websites; I can easily imagine myself among the happy faces. I haven't been out of school that long!

LM
;)

[rainbowbrightCS]

Well May is only about 8 months away. You are getting to much closer to it.

I hope you get your sponsership on the 16


Chris

*edited because I can not type, sorry every one*

[Tom Earp]

Chris, do you want to edit that post or do you want me to?:rolleyes: :D ;)

LMAO!;)

[tinydancer]

BWA - HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Good thing the library is empty!!!

rolling........

[Kristin AGD]

LMAO!!! I am getting some strange looks over here. But that made my day. :D

[ilovemyglo]

you mean I have to wait 8 months to find out

UGH!

Your killing me smalls!

[LouisaMay]

Too Funny!:D

Just to clarify...I don't imagine I'll have to wait 8 months to find out if I get a bid, but I will have to wait that long to actually participate.

LM

P.S. I feel like an idiot...I decided to "overnight" my resume to make sure it would arrive before the Alum meeting. Man is that expensive!

[Jill1228]

Dayumn! That is determination http://superbabies.homestead.com/files/bow.gif

Originally posted by LouisaMay
P.S. I feel like an idiot...I decided to "overnight" my resume to make sure it would arrive before the Alum meeting. Man is that expensive!

[LouisaMay]

Originally posted by Jill1228
Dayumn! That is determination http://superbabies.homestead.com/files/bow.gif

I had no idea how much Express Mail costs! I was too embarrassed to tell the woman "no" after she had already given me the total. I'll never do that again!

BTW: I luv that smiley!

[Tom Earp]

L M, B S, You would do it again tomarrow in a Heart Beat!:D

[LouisaMay]

Point taken:)
Maybe next time I'll just not procrastinate:p

LM

[LouisaMay]

Feeling a little anxious here!!!!

My resume should have arrived on Friday around noon. Tomorrow is the alum meeting. I expected to have at least heard that my resume did arrive safely. I'm such a worrier!

((deep breath))((deep breath)) The US mail works, right??:eek:

LM

[MelodyCat]

Breathe in, breathe out. Good. :)

I'm sure it got there just fine, and if they were expecting it they would have let you know if it hadn't arrived. :) You might send an email to your contact, or give them a call, if you're really worried about it.

I saw someone wearing a shirt that said Little Women on the front today. I looked on the back to see if there were Greek letters on the back, but no luck! Oh, well. . .:)

[LeslieAGD]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
((deep breath))((deep breath)) The US mail works, right??:eek:

LM
Yep, just a bit slow! ;)

[LouisaMay]

Of course, I couldn't just be patient! Last night, I e-mailed my Little Women contact, and she wrote back right away. Yes, she did receive my resume, and copies have been made for the alumnae. I feel much better! She seemed pleased with my resume, so I'm glad of that. It was hard to put together a "volunteer work" resume without looking like I was saying "Hey! Look at all the stuff I've done!" Know what I mean? Anyway...I hope it is well received at the Alum meeting TODAY!

LM

[rainbowbrightCS]

Do you have an update for us about Little Women?


Chris

[LouisaMay]

Not much to report, I'm afraid. I think a little misunderstanding on my part prevented the alumnae from seeing my resume at their meeting on the 16th:( I got an e-mail (several weeks ago) saying that my "contact" would like to have my resume for the alums to see on the 16th. I assumed that meant that my contact would be present at the meeting, and I didn't even take a look at her address. I just saved the message and went about updating my resume. Then my schedule got really hectic, and I put off sending the resume until the weekend before the alum meeting. I sent the resume overnight express. However, my contact lives in a different state than the Alumnae Club! She probably intended to mail my resume to the alums, so obviously, there wasn't enough time for that to happen. I didn't think of that until later. I just hope this won't cause a big delay. Alumnae groups meeting fairly often, right?

LM

[DZHBrown]

I think each group is different, but ours meets once a month. I've seen some that meet more and some that meet less. Good luck!!

[daoine]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
Alumnae groups meeting fairly often, right?


I think it really depends on the group -- we tend to have two events per month; I have no idea if that's considered often or not! :) If the Alum group has a webpage, they might have a calendar of events to give you an idea of when they are meeting.

[LouisaMay]

I haven't been able to find a website for the alum club. There is an Alumnae Panhellenic group, but Little Women doesn't have a link there.

Homecoming is October 17-18!! I can't wait to meet the college sisters and some alumnae.:D

LM

[BadSquirrelBeta]

OH THE HORROR I AM ADDICTED TO ANOTHER THREAD...LOL...I HATE THIS BEING IN LIMBO FOR YOU...

I hope that all works out for you and Little Women...

How exciting for you!! You have a great outlook and I think that you are an attribute to any group that you pledge...chalk up another good one for the NPC!

[LouisaMay]

I'm thrilled to report that things are moving along again. Next weekend is Homecoming at my alma mater, and this Saturday, I received an invitation to a Little Women Tea for the chapter's alums, as well as members of the local Alumnae Club that might sponsor me!!! Also, my Regional Officer contact will be meeting me before the tea so that I do not have to arrive feeling alone and very shy:o

The invitation was so nice; it had a great picture from the chapter's Spring Formal...all those happy faces. The letter enclosed (addressed to chapter alums) conveyed that the chapter is doing well, having taken in the largest pledge class in recent history. Hooray Little Women!!

Now the big problem...What do I wear???:confused: Until I heard about the tea, I was planning to wear football game attire and my college alumna pin. Now I don't know! What would you wear to both a football game and a tea???

LM

[navane]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
I'm thrilled to report that things are moving along again. Next weekend is Homecoming at my alma mater, and this Saturday, I received an invitation to a Little Women Tea for the chapter's alums, as well as members of the local Alumnae Club that might sponsor me!!! Also, my Regional Officer contact will be meeting me before the tea so that I do not have to arrive feeling alone and very shy:o


Alright!! I just LOVE hearing about other PNAM forward progress!! :D



Now the big problem...What do I wear???:confused: Until I heard about the tea, I was planning to wear football game attire and my college alumna pin. Now I don't know! What would you wear to both a football game and a tea???

LM


Are the two events being held at the same university? If not, then maybe you can change clothes between the two. If they are, and I've heard of occassions where the members all go together to the game, then you wouldn't be able to change. Plus let's not forget that it wold be silly to go to the game wearing something really nice.

I'm not sure how formal Little Women's tea might be. Can you go to a website and look for photos from last year? Hmm....maybe a nice pair of slacks with a cute sweater top?

.....Kelly :)

[LouisaMay]

Both events are at the same school. Unfortunately, there is not a chapter website, so I can't really anticipate the formality of this tea. I guess I'll just ask. The last time I went to Homecoming, I noticed that a lot of people seemed overdressed. Maybe that is because they were also going to special alumni events afterward.

LM

[33girl]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
Both events are at the same school. Unfortunately, there is not a chapter website, so I can't really anticipate the formality of this tea. I guess I'll just ask. The last time I went to Homecoming, I noticed that a lot of people seemed overdressed. Maybe that is because they were also going to special alumni events afterward.

LM

If that is the case I would go with whatever you saw the people wearing, because that is probably what was going on. It's better to be overdressed for the football game than underdressed for the tea.

[LouisaMay]

:) I sent an e-mail asking about appropriate attire. Doesn't hurt to ask, right? My Little Women contact said that my "paperwork is in progress." I have no idea what that means, but it made me very happy:D

LM

[Jill1228]

Doesn't hurt to ask. There is that expression..."if you don't know, you bettah ask somebody!" :p

Glad thangs are moving with the paperwork!

[LouisaMay]

Hey, Everyone!! Well, I got back late last night from Homecoming Weekend. It was so great to be back at my old school (which I totally LOVE), and I saw a lot of old friends. Of course, the highlight of the trip was the Little Women tea:)

The Tea was to begin at 6:30. I met the Regional Officer at six just to get acquainted, and she showed me around the Little Women house. It was so cute!! My alma mater doesn't have actual houses...they are dorm buildings, but the GLOs have entire buildings not just floors. Little Women just moved into their building this summer, and I heard all about their hardwork to make the house their own. It really paid off!

I was introduced to so many women, and everyone was wonderfully friendly and welcoming. I LOVED the collegiate members. They were so funny and exhausted! They had been up until 3 am working on their Homecoming float, and then they were up at 6 am finishing things up for the float and the tea. And guess what!! Little Women won first place in the float contest!

Then alums started to arrive, and I got nervous! One of the Alum Club members (that could be sponsoring me) asked why I wanted to become an alumna member, and of course, all of my wonderful reasons (which I practiced in my head all day) were suddenly forgotten, and I said something sort of lame about having missed out and wanting to meet different women from all over the country. Not too bad, I guess, but my real reasons are far more complex and definitely more meaningful than just that. Oh well, hopefully she will understand my nervousness.

I had a great time talking with recent alums that would have been my chapter sisters if I had accepted my bid 5 years ago. Each one I spoke with seemed so happy that I am interested in joining as an alum. One girl hugged and hugged me, and she got all teary! I hardly knew her!

Before the event ended, the collegiate members belted out a Little Women chant. It was great, and I had this overwhelming feeling of joy and relief that I may finally have the chance to make up for the decision that I have sincerely regretted.

Overall, it was a great time. The Regional Officer was an absolute sweetheart, and she spoke so highly of the area alums and the collegiate members. She actually participated in the chapter's colonization almost 25 years ago! She explained that if all goes well, I will be initiated with the Spring class. Of course, I understand that this is not a promise. I won't go into the details of the process, but I must have 3 seperate votes of approval before being extended an invitation. From my understanding, I am 1/3 of the way through.

LM

P.S. I wore tweed slacks and a fitted red sweater with a white blouse underneath. The women there were wearing everything from jeans and sweatshirts to dresses, so I was right in the middle.

[Jill1228]

http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif http://geoparent.com/graphics/emoticons/woohoo.gif

So you are one step closer! :D

[tinydancer]

Keep on truckin' - it all sounds good!

[LouisaMay]

:) :) :D :D
Happy! Happy!
I got an e-mail from the Regional Officer, and I feel very encouraged by her words. She said that they alumnae were pleased to meet me, and she thought that my answer to the alum's question (mentioned in earlier post) was great. She is still going to give me the President's address, so I can send a letter that clearly explains my hopes and motivations.

I am so excited!! Spring feels so far away. I hope that I will at least find out if I am accepted before then!

LM

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

YEAH! Congratulations

:D :D :D :D

[Buttonz]

http://www.spacespider.net/emo/spin03.gif http://www.spacespider.net/emo/bounce12.gif Glad to hear how wil lit went!
Congrats!
http://www.spacespider.net/emo/bounce12.gif http://www.spacespider.net/emo/spin03.gif

[bsp-mich24]

YAY -- Congrats!!!! :D

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, everyone! Things are moving along so well, and I'm trying desperately not to get my hopes up too high. Could this be my time? Success on the first try????

LM:D

[Jill1228]

It has happened to some of us!

Originally posted by LouisaMay
Thanks, everyone! Things are moving along so well, and I'm trying desperately not to get my hopes up too high. Could this be my time? Success on the first try????

LM:D

[LouisaMay]

Nothing new to report. I sent thank-you notes to both the regional officer and the chapter that hosted the tea. I'm still on a high from that event! It was so great to meet so many new Little Women and to see alums from my time on campus.:)

LM

[rainbowbrightCS]

I think that since you sent a thank you note will help you. They are very classy, and I always remember when I get one, and I am upset when I don't. Good for you.

Christia

[LouisaMay]

Happy! Happy! Happy!

I got an information guide from Little Women today! Yippee! Now I have the chance to learn more the organization than I've been able to get from their website. I really feel like things are moving forward.

LM :)

[LouisaMay]

I got an e-mail from the Regional Officer yesterday. She attended the initiation of a new AI recently...her biological sister!! She gave me a great "pep talk" and encouraged me to relax and enjoy the process.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

LM

[Jill1228]

Woo hoo! Don't ya love when the little nibble comes along...now it is time to see if you can reel the big fish in! :D Good luck

[Tom Earp]

Oh JillyBean, you are an incoragable Romantic! But with True experience!

LUV Ya you R Coaster Queenie!:D

Saved this # of Posts for a Special Person! BABY, Ya Da One!:cool:

[navane]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
I got an e-mail from the Regional Officer yesterday. She attended the initiation of a new AI recently...her biological sister!! She gave me a great "pep talk" and encouraged me to relax and enjoy the process.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

LM


Hey that's great! That says to me that this Regional Officer will be really supportive of AI!

PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

[BadSquirrelBeta]

Ahhh! Great news! Keep us posted!

[LouisaMay]

I just want to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday season. My husband and I will be traveling quite a bit over the next month, so I won't be online much. If anything TOO exciting happens, I will be sure to find a computer a.s.a.p. I could be getting some REALLY IMPORTANT NEWS in January.

Blessings,
LM

[rainbowbrightCS]

oh that's not fair. I have to wait till January. What might be happening? I hate waiting.


Chris

[tinydancer]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by LouisaMay
[B]I just want to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday season. My husband and I will be traveling quite a bit over the next month, so I won't be online much. If anything TOO exciting happens, I will be sure to find a computer a.s.a.p. I could be getting some REALLY IMPORTANT NEWS in January.


I'm thinking that January may be a magic month for several of us PNAMs!!

[Jill1228]

Ya heard anything from Little Women? Nosy assed folx wanna know! :D

[rainbowbrightCS]

I beleive it is late Jan. now.... I want to know what is happening.

[Jill1228]

Now that you have finally come back to the land of the living and posted, we wanna know whazzup wit you!

[Tom Earp]

Jilly Bean, esy Girl! Take a Ride On a Coaster! Releive Stress! Well hard now in the Frozen Tundra of winter!:(

Hey dont blame me, You took your booty up to the Hinter land of Canada!:eek:

Yep, like ya, me want to know too!:D

Come to KC, they building an new one bigger and better! Ya got my couch any time!:) I do the cookin unless your better!:D

Love Sweety:) ;)

[Jill1228]

Tom love back at cha babe! http://www.stupid-boy.com/smilies/otn/love/deg.gif I am just nosy! BTW, I cook VERY well! (Well I can hold my own) Especially baking. Not good at BBQ though

[LouisaMay]

Okay guys and girls...
I wish my news was as good as Lizz's, but it's not. I've hit a little bump in the road, but it's not enough to knock me off my bicycle! I believed that my application materials would be sent to the "Big Cheeses" before their meeting in January, but it seems that I missed a step in the application process so my progress is a little bit delayed. I'm working on filling the gap now, so hopefully, I'll be back on track by the next Big Meeting. If things go well, I could be initiated with the Spring pledge class. Wouldn't that be fantastic???!?!?!?:D

LM

[Jill1228]

Well girlfriend, get that gap filled because it would be fan-friggin-tastic if you were initiated in the spring!

[tinydancer]

Oh, it would be great if you could be initiated in the spring, too!!

[rainbowbrightCS]

Oh how exciting.

[bsp-mich24]

That Would be fantastic if you were initiated w/ the spring 04 class!!:D

[navane]

Hey that's great news! I really do hope you can get the paperwork sorted out very soon!!

:)


PNAM,


.....Kelly :)

[MelodyCat]

It looks like you and I are in about the same spot. :) I'm getting my paperwork sorted out now, too. If it all goes well, we'll both be initiated with the spring '04 pledge classes! :D

[LouisaMay]

Okay Fans of the AI forum...I need a little love right now. I have just gotten myself in the middle of too many things at once. I'm teaching, doing a monster of an independent study, finishing my thesis, preparing to defend my thesis, leading a local youth group, participating in a community service group, praying for Ph.D. acceptance letters, and getting ready to move! I'm going crazy:eek: Needless to say, the holes that need patching in my AI progress got overlooked in the last few weeks. I did finally send out the paperwork that needed to be sent, but I really feel like I've messed up big time. Even though things in my life are hectic, "Little Women" is still on my mind and in my heart.

LM:(

[MelodyCat]

Maybe you should send an email or a card to someone at Little Women to let them know what's going on. With all that going on, I can't blame you for letting life get in the way of your application.

*hugs* I hope you get an acceptance! Good luck!

[Jill1228]

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/tweetz/hug2.gif

Hon, something got in the way...it is called LIFE! You have a lot on your plate and I think they should be understanding of it! Melody made an excellent suggestion and I would do the exact same thing! http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/tweetz/hug2.gif

[LouisaMay]

Okay, gang!
I'm feeling so much better. I've been given such wonderful support from a lot of you through PMs, and I feel sure that my journey is going to have a happy ending. Yes, things have slowed down. Yes, I stepped off the path for a little while, but I'm back on track! I know that I have found my way to an organization to which I can proudly dedicate my time and my talents. The members that I have been corresponding with have been overwhelmingly supportive and kind. What more can I ask for? If a bid doesn't come my way, I can know that I gave it my best shot, and for reasons beyond my control, the door was closed. But you know what they say about closed doors...

LM

[pinkyphimu]

lm,
you have such a positive outlook! i know you will be fine!

:)

pinky

[TriDeltaGal]

Good Luck and I wish you all the best!

[Jill1228]

Yeah I know what they say about closed doors...
"Kick the damn things down!" :D

Originally posted by LouisaMay
I can know that I gave it my best shot, and for reasons beyond my control, the door was closed. But you know what they say about closed doors...

LM

[LouisaMay]

I've got my steel-toed boots on *flexing muscles* :cool:

[Jen]

I think we've all hit bumps in the road on our AI journeys...but a few tests along the way just make the goal that much sweeter!

Good luck with the rest of your journey=)

[Tom Earp]

OMG, please do not riot on my doorstep!;)

Jilly Bean, I just pictured you in Combat Boots, steel toes and all on the Coaster!:D

Hope springs eternal!:)

Reminds me of two Brothers, Tom and Steve, Steve took off and blew all of his money, while Tom tried to take care of parents! Well Tom got in financial problems and Folks helped him out! Well, Steve came back again broke as usual, but Father now only remembers the money he loaned Tom and is angry that it was not paid back! Steve mean while is living off of the Fatted Calf, Father!

So while tenious, it will turn out in the end!:cool:

Damn, what a hell of a way to get to that!:rolleyes:

Just never say never!

I am gone!;)

[LouisaMay]

Well, gang. Absolutely no news here. Despite several attempts to reach "my contact," I have not heard anything since January.

I'm not going to say that I'm giving up because if the opportunity comes along I will accept in a heartbeat. However, I things are at a standstill, and I don't have any plans for action. I'm not even sure what would be appropriate at this point.

My life is changing quite a bit. I've moved. I'm about to begin my Ph.D. work, and I am searching for a part time job.

I'm thinking that maybe things will pick up with "Little Women" in the fall, especially since I'm now only an hour away from the alum group and collegiate chapter.

I'll still be around from time to time. Good luck to the other hopefuls!:)

LM

[Jill1228]

Girl hang in there! I hope you get some contacts in your area! Good luck with the Phd program

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, Jill. I'm really looking forward to the start of school. Keeping busy in the mean time...

LM

[tinydancer]

This time last year I was in the summer doldrums, so I know how you feel. Just hang on - it will go by faster than you think.

Congratulations on beginning your PhD! Don't take the 11-year route like I did!:p

[LouisaMay]

Hi! I haven't been around much, but I just wanted to say that although nothing has really happened with my AI journey, I did get some words of encouragement from my "Little Women" connection. I'm certainly not giving up, but it is a little frustrating to watch the 1 year mark (since starting AI) quickly approach.

Keeping all the AI hopefuls in my mind! Best of luck...

LM

[Tom Earp]

L M, keep a stiff upper lip! Look at how long it took Kelly (AKA) navan to get into a Family!:)

[JennRN]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
Hi! I haven't been around much, but I just wanted to say that although nothing has really happened with my AI journey, I did get some words of encouragement from my "Little Women" connection. I'm certainly not giving up, but it is a little frustrating to watch the 1 year mark (since starting AI) quickly approach.

Keeping all the AI hopefuls in my mind! Best of luck...

LM

Louisa May-

Sweetie, don't dispair! I know how hard it is-I too am approaching my one year mark, with initiation nowhere in sight. It disappoints me everyday, and I know it's hard to read the stories of all the other lucky pnam's who have found their homes already-but you have to keep thinking, that if it's right it will happen-maybe not tomorrow, or next month, or even next year-but it will happen! So hang in there, and feel free to pm me if you want to talk, ok?? Hugs to you!! :)

[adduncan]

Ladies, I can honestly say - I know how you feel.

I'm past the 1.5 year mark. I had all kinds of twists and turns (check out my threads in this section) and there was a point where I threw in the towel on the whole thing.

Having to move suddenly to another state after being assured I didn't have to was another wrench in the works. :rolleyes:

But after some deep breaths, some extra sleep, and a LOT of encouragement from people on GC, I got back in the saddle. Call me crazy, but I think it will all be worth it in the end. After the time and effort we put into our AI pursuits never let ANY alumna (on GC or IRL) say that we took "the easy road" or that we didn't "earn our letters".

{{{HUGZ}}}

Adrienne
:D

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, ladies! It is good to know that others are going through the same wishing and hoping that I am. I'm just not a passive person, and so much of this journey seems terribly passive. You don't want to seem too eager or too pushy or too desperate, etc. At the same time, you don't want to be too relaxed or seem not to care. You're right, adduncan, certainly NOT the easy road.

LM

[navane]

Originally posted by JennRN
I know it's hard to read the stories of all the other lucky pnam's who have found their homes already-


hee hee hee....as the most current AI, I think that I can be excluded from the "already" comment. ;) Three and a half years in an AI search (and 7 years total) don't fit unless the statement is changed to "it's about time already!!" LOL


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
Thanks, ladies! It is good to know that others are going through the same wishing and hoping that I am. I'm just not a passive person, and so much of this journey seems terribly passive. You don't want to seem too eager or too pushy or too desperate, etc. At the same time, you don't want to be too relaxed or seem not to care. You're right, adduncan, certainly NOT the easy road.

LM


Oh my.....do I ever know this feeling! It's a tough balance to try and not to seem too pushy, but yet keep your name out there so people don't forget about you.

Hang in there!

.....Kelly :)

[LouisaMay]

Okay...I'm whining now!!!

I want this soooo badly. The more I learn about "Little Women," the happier I am that I am working toward A.I., but at the same time, I am feeling more and more discouraged. The woman who had helped me SO much and had been SO supportive has not been in touch with me in months. I know that her life has become very, very busy, and she has a lot more to worry about than me and my little dream. Still, I don't know who else to talk to. I don't want to burden her any more than I already have. I have written to the alum group on several occasions with no reply.

I'm not really asking for a full-proof answer from you guys, but I just had to do a little griping!

Okay...I'm done:rolleyes:

LM

[LouisaMay]

Instead of just sitting here being a cry-baby, I decided to be PRO-ACTIVE. I e-mailed another Alumna officer from my area. I'll let you know as soon as I get a response. I also did some research, and I found a website for the collegiate chapter that I would like to help. I was able to find a few possible contacts there.

I feel better knowing that even though the decision is out of my hands, I can do something to make my interest known. At one point in this journey, I thought that my road was going to be a very smooth one. I shouldn't be surprised that my first approach became a dead end. Hopefully, I've just found a new door!

LM

[aopirose]

Good idea. Things kind of slow in the summer but should pick back up again in August/September. Good luck!

[Tom Earp]

Oh Damn, so gripe away, that is waht We are all here for!

This is your sounding board!;)

As aopirose, said, slow in summer, the living is easy!

Fall is the Wow time to go Baby Go!

Just Keep hand in! KAY!

Never is not ever!:cool:

[The B Girl]

LouisaMay-
Please hang in there!!! I completely understand how you feel. I am not going through AI, but there is a job at work that I have been trying to get for 3 1/2 years. It feels just like the AI process - WAITING, WAITING, WAITING...... You don't want to seem to eager but yet not act interested. I don't know if I will ever hear the fat lady sing.....

[reverie]

I remember complaining in November that I would have to wait until September for recruitment (ours is deferred until fall of sophomore year) and I'm still impatient (especially since the time I spent on GC had multiplied exponentially).

GOOD LUCK! I definitely wish you the best and I'm glad that you're getting settled into your new home!

Keep us posted and feel free to vent about anything!

[LouisaMay]

I had a dream last night that I was accepted for membership in "Little Women." I was sent a big bouquet of flowers, and I had a wonderful surprise greeting from sisters from all over the state. It was an amazing dream!

LM

[pinkyphimu]

i hope that your dream is a sign of things to come!

[LouisaMay]

Well...nothing, nothing, nothing. I'm going to send cards out with my new contact information (I moved over the summer), and my links to "Little Women" will definitely be finding them in their mailboxes.

I keep telling myself that things have been slow because of the summer. I hope that's true...

LM

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Yes, things are usually always slow in the summer.

[LouisaMay]

Hi, everybody!
I sent out my new contact info to the alumnae group, the collegiate chapter, and the officer who has been helping me. I haven't heard anything, but it's only been a week or so since the cards went out.

I'm still in this with everything I've got, but I'm certainly not short on things to keep me busy. I'm actually helping to organize a leadership conference at my alma mater. Should be fun!

LM

[LouisaMay]

I'm still a little baffled about the abrupt silence from Little Women, but I have to stop second guessing everything! A few days ago, I received a kind message from a member of LW who has been really helpful throughout my search. I wish SHE was one of the local alums!:)

Homecoming is quickly approaching, and that is where everything started moving along last year. I was so hopeful and excited then. Now I'm just feeling anxious, confused, and a kind of discouraged. I haven't heard if there will be another Alumnae event like the chapter hosted last year, but maybe I'll just run into some of the members at the game. I can hope!

LM

[ms_gwyn]

LM

Hang in there girl, I know where you are coming from. Everything will work out the way they are supposed to......thats finding your home of course!

[blueangel]

LM,

I feel your frustration, because I'm going through it as well. I've been at this for nearly two years with the same GLO. Everything I've received back has been positive, but it goes silent for months, until I contact them again. Then I get positive responses, but then, nothing again.

I don't understand it either.

Blue Angel

[LouisaMay]

When I sent my contact info to the collegiate chapter, I used a valid campus address, but the card was returned to me as undeliverable. Finding that cute little purple envelope in my mailbox was like a slap in the face.

I'm not sure what to do now...

LM

[sageofages]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
When I sent my contact info to the collegiate chapter, I used a valid campus address, but the card was returned to me as undeliverable. Finding that cute little purple envelope in my mailbox was like a slap in the face.

I'm not sure what to do now...

LM

Call the campus and VERIFY the address they have on record for the group and then resend it. Persistence pays off :)

Good luck!

[LouisaMay]

Hi, everybody!
I'm just really feeling down about the end of my AI search. This is something that meant SO MUCH to me. I still read the AI board all the time, and I am cheering every AI-hopeful on as she makes her quest. I called it quits because I'm now a mom-to-be, and I actually feel REALLY guilty for even wishing that I could go on with my pursuit. I feel like, by continuing, I'm saying that being a Mom isn't fulfilling enough. But I can't erase the desire I have to give of myself to an organization that supports the development, education, and ambitions of young women. But will I have anything left to give once the baby comes? Do I even have the right to give time to a GLO that should be given to my family? Ahhh...as you can see, this has been difficult.

I was so sad when all contact seemed to come to an end between me and "Little Women." Things had been going so well...then nothing. But I accepted that some paths come to an end (and in the back of my mind, I thought that the trail might warm up in time). Long before I officially embarked upon the AI journey, I had made a list of organizations that fit my personal ideals, and I am sure that these groups, like Little Women, have something that makes them uniquely special. Now, even if I did decide to stay in the game and look into these groups, would a GLO even want me...a new mother?

Oh well...I guess I'm just venting. I can't help that a little jealousy came through when I saw several women finding their homes. I remember coming into college with this wonderful image of Greek Life, and even as a newbie, I knew that the aspect of sorority life that would mean the most to me was the lifelong commitment and the far-reaching bonds. I was never in it, primarily, for the college experience, and now, I feel like I won't have a chance at any experience at all.

Okay...I'm done whining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LM

P.S. As far as I know, the "Little Women" alumnae group still has my contact info, letter of interest, etc. There just hasn't been any forward motion in a long, LONG time. Despite the quiet, there is still so much to love about this organization, and I guess that is part of my disappointment right now.

[WCUgirl]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
I called it quits because I'm now a mom-to-be, and I actually feel REALLY guilty for even wishing that I could go on with my pursuit. I feel like, by continuing, I'm saying that being a Mom isn't fulfilling enough. But I can't erase the desire I have to give of myself to an organization that supports the development, education, and ambitions of young women. But will I have anything left to give once the baby comes? Do I even have the right to give time to a GLO that should be given to my family? Ahhh...as you can see, this has been difficult. You shouldn't worry about feeling that way at all! It has nothing to do w/ whether being a mother is "fulfilling" -- it has to do w/ you finding your own circle of friends and a place for you to go when you need "you time."

We have several women in our alumnae group who have just had babies that still attend everything they can. Some alumnae groups even have special interest groups for mothers, such as "Mom & Tot" events.

[lake]

My heart goes out to you, LouisaMay, but promise us you won't give up! Someone with your drive and desire has too much to offer a group. You sound like an awesome person.

There are AIs on this board who have children and have still been matched to a group. Having a child doesn't automatically exclude you...just take the next several months to re-group and adjust to your new life, then when you find your groove you will know how to proceed again. I have seen many NPC alum groups that have activities for new moms or moms with babies/toddlers. Perhaps that could be a way to meet members and pursue AI again, and fulfill that need for "adult" time and companionship!

It took me a total of nearly five years to finally be asked to be a member of my new home. In that five years' time, for various personal reasons, I wasn't always able to pursue AI consistently, but when I was, I pursued it with gusto, and now I'm home.

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat more.

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by AXiD670
You shouldn't worry about feeling that way at all! It has nothing to do w/ whether being a mother is "fulfilling" -- it has to do w/ you finding your own circle of friends and a place for you to go when you need "you time."

We have several women in our alumnae group who have just had babies that still attend everything they can. Some alumnae groups even have special interest groups for mothers, such as "Mom & Tot" events.

We have quite a few new babies in our alumnae chapter and our newest AI (a different GC thread) had her 3rd child in January and was pregnant the whole time she was going through.

And we have a mom-n-me group which is VERY popular!

[blueangel]

First, congrat's on your baby to be! How exciting!

Don't give up! From my experience, silence doesn't mean "no".. it just means things are either:

1. moving slowly
2. have fallen through the cracks by accident

What I'm finding out is that AI is a new thing for many GLOs-- and it's not that uncommon for the people in that organization trying to help you to not follow through-- not because they don't intentionally, but because they didn't realize that they missed a step. Or.. they may be waiting for a vote, or for some paperwork. It's hard to know what's going on behind the scenes.

I think that unless you are told "no" outright-- then you need to be pro-active. You need to keep a positive attitude throughout the process-- even though it's VERY difficult at times. AI is an extremely difficult process, and it is a roller coaster with extreme ups and downs.

So many times, I was ready to throw in the towel because it had been MONTHS without hearing anything. But, each time, I either got on the phone or shot another e-mail saying, "Hi, it's me again. Any news?"

Don't forget... the women who are elected officials in these Alumnae Chapters are busy with jobs and their own families as well. They're volunteers... so... things DO slip through the cracks-- unintentionally.

One more piece of advice: try to find someone on Greek Chat who is in the GLO you are pursuing and PM them. Ask them if they can give you some advice. I wonder if in GC we might be able to set up a mentoring PM program?

And-- the time may not be right for you at this moment-- because your whole life is about to change due to the blessed event. But, once things settle down again, you might want to start knocking on the door to the organization you felt so positive about. Just keep reminding yourself, "SILENCE DOES NOT MEAN NO."

Good luck, and again, congratulations!

[ms_gwyn]

LM....

you know that I am feeling you right now...I say take it slow (redundant I know)...do not feel any guilt about wanting to be a part of a sorority now that you are preganant.

I say...send a follow email or if you don't feel comfortable in that, put out feelers for a lunch date, but let them know you are still interested.

A little contact does not equal pushy...share the news...its a joyous occasion.

I know you want this and I have hope that you will get it....and I know that 3 years seems like a long time....

but take this time in this new chapter in your life to experience all the wonders that motherhood will bring.

PM me if you need to talk

gwyn

[aopirose]

Have faith and patience. I gave birth very shortly after my initiation and I have been active ever since. I enjoy my "AOII time". It is what helps to keep me grounded. I am expecting again and while I declined another local office for next year, I still have my international volunteer position. It can be done and no you are not selfish.

[LPIDelta]

LM--
Like aopirose, my best friend volunteers for our sorority because that is her time to do something for herself. Don't feel guilty about pursuing this dream for yourself, that is important too.

Sororities are organizations for women, and women get pregnant. We need to celebrate that--and many organizations have ways to do that. I encourage you not give up, and be persistent.

I agree with the idea of contacting someone from GC to help--we are all so passionate, I can't imagine someone from here not helping and sheparding you through this process. Maybe someone from outside that org might be able to help too.

Best wishes on your pregnancy!

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, everybody, for your support. As usual, you are great at pick-me-ups. I will certainly keep your advice in mind, and I am very glad that you don't think that I should stop because of my little one!

I have been in contact with a great GC member who has been wonderful from day one. She has been a great source of encouragement. Because I haven't heard anything from "Little Women" in 15 months (despite e-mails and greeting cards), I guess I just stopped corresponding with the GC mentor because I didn't want to put her in an awkward situation. If her sisters have decided that I am not a good fit with their organization, then I don't want her to feel that I am asking her to disagree with them. Know what I mean?

After the baby arrives and I get a handle on my new life, I think I will write to the alum group and the college chapter because there are certainly new members and officers in both places.

Thanks for being there....

LM

[LouisaMay]

I am definitely still in the hunt. I wrote to my GC "cheerleader," and she offered some interesting and helpful new information. Obviously, my family will be #1 forever, but I hope to show my son or daughter that mama can be many things!!!

Thanks again for all of your support.

LM

[TCV]

Hang in there LM...at times it felt that I was going nowhere but waiting sure paid it off....:)

[LouisaMay]

I recently discovered that the alumnae group in my area now has a website. Maybe this will make things easier when I am back in the AI groove. This must be a recent development since I hadn't seen this sort of resource when I was actively trying to connect with the women here.

LM:)

[LouisaMay]

Hi, everyone!
Well, I'm now VERY pregnant and very anxious to be a Mommy. I'm also excited about the possibility of starting up my AI process again after I get the swing of raising a baby and all that comes with it!

I've been trying to take it easy, so I've been online a lot more. Of course, that always gives me the AI bug all over again.

Staying cool and hopeful!!!

LM

[Tom Earp]

A+++, New Mommy!:cool:

That is a Priority Now, AI is second, for now!:)

[blueangel]

Pssssst! LM! Please clean out your PM box!

[LouisaMay]

All clear. Sorry about that!

[LouisaMay]

Back in action.

Although my new life as a mom is more wonderful and more hectic than I ever imagined, I see that I need to make time for me and for contributing to the community. So...after giving it a lot of thought, I have decided that the time is right to continue my AI journey.

I still have my eyes set upon "Little Women." I feel, more than ever, that this organization is a good fit for me. I can just hope that they agree!

Just to update: My son is now 8 months old. He is such a delight! I have finished my prelims, so I'm officially a Ph.D. candidate. It has been a lot of hard work, but I love my career path.


LM

[Tom Earp]

HoBoy, sounds like a like a lot on Your Plate for sure!

Hang on and keep working at it!:)It is nice tho hear from You for sure!:cool:

[BetteDavisEyes]

I'm catching up on your story & all I can say is WOW! Keep up the good attitude, congrats on your baby, & PhD candidate is awesome!

[Jimmy Choo]

I agree.... wow! But you have been so positive thru the whole thing! Good for you! Good luck as you get back into the AI journey!

[LouisaMay]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm really excited again! Yes, I do have a full plate with my son and school, but I feel that my stressful professional life warrants some "me-time." Honestly, graduate school is great because it is so flexible. I get to be with my baby more than most working moms. When I'm not with him, my husband is, so we don't have to worry about day-care at all. It's nice.

LM

[blueangel]

LM, I tried to reply to your PM, but I got a message telling me that you are not accepting PMs!

[LouisaMay]

That's too weird! I have no idea what that could mean. Could that happen if I was actually in my PM box deleting things when you were sending the message? Hmmm....a mystery!

LM

[Tom Earp]

Just a reminder, 70 PMs sent and received is Max.:)

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, Tom. I'm not sure what the problem was since I haven't hit my limit yet.

Oh, well.

LM

[AlphaFrog]

Originally posted by LouisaMay
Thanks, Tom. I'm not sure what the problem was since I haven't hit my limit yet.

Oh, well.

LM

Check your "sent" folder. That's usually the culprit.;)

[LouisaMay]

Time to bump the old thread. Things are moving again...

;)

[jhujenn]

Yeah!

[Jill1228]

I can't wait to hear about it! ;)

[MJo19]

Awesome!:)

[Xidelt]

I love reading updates on these AI threads! Hope all goes well and can't wait to read more!:p

[Jimmy Choo]

Great... so what good news do you have for us?! :)

[Scandia]

Yay! That makes me SO happy!

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, everyone!
I'm sitting on some pretty exciting news, but I'm waiting to make contact with someone in particular before I give any more information.

It's killing me:)

[MJo19]

I am so excited for you!!! it is killing all of us too!:D

[LPIDelta]

It's killing me:)

It's killing us too!!!

[Jill1228]

Where are my bamboo shoots and vise grips? ;)

[CutiePie2000]

Have faith and patience. I gave birth very shortly after my initiation and I have been active ever since. I enjoy my "AOII time". It is what helps to keep me grounded. I am expecting again and while I declined another local office for next year, I still have my international volunteer position. It can be done and no you are not selfish.
aopirose, you always were one of my favorite GC'ers. You're a very kind person and are classy through and through. :)

[Sister Havana]

LouisaMay, that's great and I can't wait to hear your news. :) SO happy for you!

[Xidelt]

Yea Louisa May! Cheers to your grace and patience--may it pay off for you soon!

[LouisaMay]

Okay...so here's the scoop!

Every good story has a few crazy turns, right? Well, in a sudden unexpected twist, my AI story veered in a whole new direction. I had just decided to get my search going again with "Little Women" when I had a brief exchange of e-mails that changed everything! A friend of mine from another area of my life (not online), totally unaware that I am "LouisaMay," offered to sponsor me in her NPC sorority if I was interested. At first, I hesitated. I thanked her and told her that I needed to really think about it because I had been in touch with another sorority but I was really honored that she thought that I would be a good fit for her organization. I did think A LOT.

I also began corresponding with another alumna who happens to be an AI in "Jane Eyre" (my new code name for this GLO). She made a few points that really hit home. She told me about the pride she feels for her sorority and the warmth that she has received from her sisters and the Greek community. She said that she "lives her letters" each day, and she has gained confidence in knowing that she is part of a strong sisterhood. She asked me if I really only wanted to be in Little Women or if I had other motivations to be part of a sorority. I really opened up, telling her that I want to be able to reach out to young women, to help them know that their worth comes from so much more than a tiny waist and a full social calendar. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of college women who will, in turn, make a significant mark upon the world. Our conversations helped me to better understand why I started this journey in the first place and to better understand myself.

My friend and I got together one Sunday (about two months ago now) and talked all afternoon about "Jane Eyre" and her experience in the organization. It turns out that my friend holds a leadership position in her alum group (I had no idea!). She presented her sorority with such sincerity and love. She showed me some really impressive materials that outlined the organization's programming and structure...much more than I saw in my own online research! I was blown away! I learned about Jane Eyre's strong presence in my area and the many opportunities to volunteer. The kicker was when my friend brought out the dozens of congratulatory cards that she received when she took office in the alum group. The words of encouragement and support from Jane Eyre members was wonderful. By the end of that conversation, I knew I had found my home. In fact, as I told my friend that I would like to move forward with the process, I started to cry. I just couldn't help it! I've waited so long and wanted this so badly.

More to come...

[LPIDelta]

Oh my...what a wonderful story! This is what it is all about.

And it gives me courage to reach out to my friends who are not affiliated.

Congratulations! I am sure everything will work out well for you with your friend's support and guidance.

[FloridaTish]

I have been following your story and I am thrilled that you have found your home. I hope everything works out for you and that you're as happy with "Jane Eyre" as I have been with Gamma Phi Beta over this last year.

I can't wait to hear who Jane is!!!

-Stephanie

[ms_gwyn]

LM

You know that I am happy for you to no end and I know exactly how you feel, but the thing is, I knew my home was with Tri Sigma all along, I was just in denial and when Urania came along and iwasthisclose, I also knew that I would give them 100% because I loved them as well, just not the same way with Tri Sigma.

Everything is as it should be and you know that I am jumping up and down for you and hoping like no other that this all works out and that this journey is coming to it's end.

I am on pins and needles waiting to hear the rest.

gwyn

[MJo19]

That is so wonderful to hear! I can't wait to see how it will end up for you and who "Jane Eyre" is!!

[LouisaMay]

Thanks, everyone! This is so exciting:)

[Jimmy Choo]

This is awesome news!!! You have been waiting such a long time for this and you really deserve the best!!! So I take it then you are in the process of filling out the sponsorship forms and what not?

[KSUViolet06]

I don't get into too many of the AI threads, but yours is one I've followed since I joined this site. I hope something happens for you soon :)

[LouisaMay]

So I take it then you are in the process of filling out the sponsorship forms and what not?


.....well, actually...I'm a little further than that........................;)

[tunatartare]

picked out a blingy badge yet?

[Jimmy Choo]

.....well, actually...I'm a little further than that........................;)

Sweet... so the forms are already done!!! So then are you just waiting for the vote from nationals?

[LouisaMay]

Alright...I've held this in until I turned blue! I also hate being a tease:p

A couple of days ago, I came home to find a a package on my porch. My heart started pounding as soon as I saw it! And by the time I saw that it was from "Jane Eyre," I was nearly hyperventilating. I left my hubby to carry all the stuff in from the car plus our baby, and I ripped into the box.

The first word I saw was...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I started jumping around like a loon and squealing. My husband gave me a big hug, and he took me out to celebrate.

And here's the best part. My acceptance letter came on my birthday! I will always remember the exact date of my own personal "bid day."

I didn't let you all know immediately because I wanted to tell my "Little Women" helper first, out of respect for her and her organization. I waited for her reply e-mail because I wanted to be certain that she didn't read the news on my GC thread first. I have made a decision to not reveal the name of "Little Women." I have received private messages saying that the organization wasn't being fair by letting me hang there, etc. But I can say with complete sincerity that Little Women did nothing wrong, and I have nothing but admiration and respect for them. The delays were all the kinds of things that life brings. My contact person got married and moved. I changed states myself and took time off to have a baby. Officers changed. Policies changed. The entire structure of the organization even went through a few changes. If I had been willing to wait, something might have happened for me and Little Women...maybe, maybe not. But once I was introduced to Jane Eyre and got to know a few sisters, I knew that I had found my Home. Not THE ONE AN ONLY home, but the place that I choose to call my own.

I have so much more to say, but I'm gonna leave you with that to digest.

Thank you, everyone, for your undying support.

[tunatartare]

Congratulations!!!! Now where are the hints?

[MJo19]

Holy Cow!!! I am so excited for you!!!! Now is it wrong to have a hint? hee hee..If you want to wait more, of course that is your decision.

[Drolefille]

picked out a blingy badge yet?
That is indeed a fun part.. if your GLO has the option....

[Drolefille]

! Congrats! Please hint and let us guess...!!! :)

[Tom Earp]

Told You I would jump over the thread!!!!!:D


Congratulations in being selected for AI. I know You have waited for along time which seemed forever!;)

Being selected as an AI is an Honor!

[LouisaMay]

[QUOTE=Tom Earp]Told You I would jump over the thread!!!!!:D [QUOTE]

Wow! You did jump:)

[Tom Earp]

Waiting for an answer!:D

[Tom Earp]

Can I say Yellow Mums to a very nice Lady!


http://clicksmilies.com/s0105/aktion/action-smiley-046.gif


Well, the closest I could come to for now!:) :D ;)

[LouisaMay]

HINT #1:

Some NPC organizations do not specify a gem or precious stone.
"Jane Eyre" is not among them.

[Drolefille]

Our options are:
Alpha Phi, DG, Thetas, Phi Mu?, ZTA?

Not sure about the last two, I'm going based on the Greek Info Pages

[tunatartare]

time for another clue, I'm gonna rule out ZTA because AI is rare in Zeta

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Our options are:
Alpha Phi, DG, Thetas, Phi Mu?, ZTA?

Not sure about the last two, I'm going based on the Greek Info Pages

Shouldn't it be more than that?

She said this group is NOT among ones who don't specify a gem.

We do specify a gem, so we should be on the list (but I'm 99.9% sure it's not us).

[Drolefille]

Shouldn't it be more than that?

She said this group is NOT among ones who don't specify a gem.

We do specify a gem, so we should be on the list (but I'm 99.9% sure it's not us).
CRAP.. i read that wrong.. it's everyone BUT those 5 then...

Sooo... AXO, ADPi, AEPhi, AGD, AOPi, ASA, AST, AXD, ChiO, Tri Delta, DPhiE, DZ, GPhiB, KD, KKG, PhiSig, Pi Phi, SDT, SK, Tri Sigma, and Theta Phi,

Someone else pick out those that don't do AI

[tunatartare]

Ok so the possibilities are:
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Tau
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Delta Delta
Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Zeta
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Delta (very rare)
Phi Sigma Sigma
Pi Beta Phi
Sigma Kappa
Sigma Sigma Sigma

[MJo19]

Haha KLPDaisy you beat me to it! I just got done making a list of all of them when I saw you already posted it....hmmm..just my first guess for clue #1 is TriDelta

[Drolefille]

What else is narrowing your list down KLPDaisy?

N/M.. yours is better :)

[tunatartare]

we need more clues lol

[Drolefille]

Co-sign.. LouisaMay.. some of us have to go home in 20 minutes! I need details!

[MJo19]

well at least we have narrowed it down from the 26 it could be..but I agree..more clues!

[SigKapCoug]

Come on, another hint!! You can't leave us hanging! :)

[Jimmy Choo]

WOW.... you weren't kidding when you said things were moving! Things have moved and you've gotten the go ahead from the national!! That is awesome! I have to agree with the rest of the board... more clues please :)

[Drolefille]

Nooooooooooooooo I get back on and still no more hints?!?

:(

[LouisaMay]

HINT #2

"Jane Eyre" shares a few elements of her insignia/symbols with more than one other NPC group.


(Sorry...I really didn't think of a second clue, so this one is pretty bad. I just didn't realize that there would be such a demand:) )

[Duchovnysfan]

Yay Congrats *hugs* I just read through the entire thread on Tuesday and now just trying to catch up. I'm so happy for you and so glad that everything worked out in the end.

On to my guess: Tri Delta, call it a hunch

[Drolefille]

HINT #2

"Jane Eyre" shares a few elements of her insignia/symbols with more than one other NPC group.


(Sorry...I really didn't think of a second clue, so this one is pretty bad. I just didn't realize that there would be such a demand:) )
ETA: too many variables.. does not compute... I'd need to know if it was jewel or symbol or flower, etc to try an figure this one out...

Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Tau
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Delta Delta
Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Zeta
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Delta (very rare)
Phi Sigma Sigma
Pi Beta Phi
Sigma Kappa
Sigma Sigma Sigma

[tunatartare]

my guess is for Sigma Kappa or Sigma Sigma Sigma
-both have violet as their flower, pearl as their jewel, similar shaped badges, the magazine of both is called the Triangle, and both have purple as a color

[lilsunshine214]

My guess so far is ADPi becuase they share the lion with Phi Mu, the violet with Sigma Kappa and Tri Sig, and the diamond as their gem with at least 2 or 3 other sororities.

[tunatartare]

hmm violets and pearls seem to be pretty common, a lot of sororities use the pearl as their jewel

[Jimmy Choo]

I don't know why but I just have a feeling.... I'm gonna go with AOPi

[Scandia]

I'm gunna go with Alpha Delta Pi.

Maybe it is the being approached part. Maybe it is the shared elements part. They do share the diamond shape and the hands in the badge with other sororities.

[MJo19]

hmmm..so I am changing my guess to Sigma Kappa. I don't know why, but after reading some of the clues and other peoples' guesses, it just seems right