Pledging after age 20

I am older than most of the people at my college, as I took an eight year hiatus from college to get married and have a child. I am really interesting in pledging a specific sorority, but I wonder if people will think I'm pathetic because I'm already 29.
My feeling is that when you want do something, you do it. No excuses. No whining about I'm older; too matured: too busy, but am I only justifying my case. Please help if you've been where I am currently.

[Dewgirl]

If that's what you want to do...go for it! The only problems I can see you running into is the fact that you are married...some or all NPC sororities do not allow you to join if you are married (there have been posts on this previously). If this is the case, see about being a patron (not sure if all GLOs do this, mine does) or advisor or something.

Good luck!

[SigKap]

Hey!

You could just go through the Alumni Intiation program...especially if there is a specific sorority that you want to join. Just contact that sorority or better yet, if you know someone who is affiliated with the sorority, they can gain assess and information on the whole process.

[equeen]

Originally posted by Grandma:
...I am really interesting in pledging a specific sorority, but I wonder if people will think I'm pathetic because I'm already 29.

I love your enthusiasm and no-nonsense point of view! Please don't worry about what people think, you're not pathetic for wanting to be involved (and 29 is too young to be naming yourself Grandma!).

Let me tell you about one of my Chapter's founders. Like you, she took a hiatus from school (she did a stint in the military) and came back to school in her late 20s. She was (and still is) one of my Chapter's most active supporters; she is in fact sponsoring our newest Colony! She lives a full an active life, besides her job and a committed relationship.

So don't worry about what people think. If an greek organization truly values quality membership, then they will realize that you're there to be a truly active member. Best of luck, let us know how your experience goes!

------------------
equeen
A Lioness has her Pride!
@>--;--
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies

[Finer Woman10-A-91]

It depends on the organization in question. Go to their National homepage and do some research. I can tell you its not terribly uncommon in the NPHC www.NPHC.com to have older interests pledge as collegiates. Do what is in your heart and if it does not work out, seek interest as an alumni member.

Originally posted by Grandma:
I am older than most of the people at my college, as I took an eight year hiatus from college to get married and have a child. I am really interesting in pledging a specific sorority, but I wonder if people will think I'm pathetic because I'm already 29.
My feeling is that when you want do something, you do it. No excuses. No whining about I'm older; too matured: too busy, but am I only justifying my case. Please help if you've been where I am currently.

------------------
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated...Every Finer Woman's Dream!

[Crimson Diva]

In the NPHC it does not matter as long as you are a full time student and have the time to commit to the sorority. Take it from me,I know because I was in your shoes. I am so glad I went through to become a member of my beloved sorority. Of course, NPHC has graduate membership also.

[Beryana]

Actually, ADPi doesn't have an alum initiate program--I checked.

Some of the others (NPC) that do are:

Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta
Delta Phi Epsilon

Originally posted by Beryana:
Actually, ADPi doesn't have an alum initiate program--I checked.

ADPi does have an alumnae initiate program; here is an excerpt from an email which they sent me:
"Alpha Delta Pi does consider, in special instances, women for our Alumnae
Initiate program. According to our policy, potential members must, however
be recommended by an Alpha Delta Pi collegiate chapter, an alumnae
association, or three individual Alpha Delta Pi alumnae members in good
standing."

Originally posted by Beryana:
Actually, ADPi doesn't have an alum initiate program

ADPi does indeed have an alumnae initiate program. Here is an excerpt from an email from ADPi: "Alpha Delta Pi does consider, in special instances, women for our Alumnae
Initiate program. According to our policy, potential members must, however
be recommended by an Alpha Delta Pi collegiate chapter, an alumnae
association, or three individual Alpha Delta Pi alumnae members in good
standing."

[Beryana]

I stand corrected. My information was from the response that I got from their (ADPi) National office where they basically said they didn't have such a program.

[tcsparky]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SigKap:
You could just go through the Alumni Intiation program...especially if there is a specific sorority that you want to join. QUOTE]

I do not know of any GLOs that have this process. Which ones do you know of?

I do not know of any GLOs that have this process. Which ones do you know of?

For NPC sororities, many have alumnae initiate programs. such as:
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Sigma Tau
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Pi Beta Phi
Sigma Kappa
Zeta Tau Alpha

These are only the NPC ones that I KNOW OF. There are likely others as well. Check their websites out, some have info directly on them.

[33girl]

Dear Non-Grandma,

One of my sisters was 25 when she pledged. Go for it.....I would bet your commitment level will be above & beyond that of most of your pledge sisters.

Since you are still in school, you would join the regular way, not through alumnae initiation.

Alumnae Initiate programs

Delta Delta Delta has one too.

Originally posted by Beryana:
I stand corrected. My information was from the response that I got from their (ADPi) National office where they basically said they didn't have such a program.

Beryana, I guess we are BOTH right! My response was also from Head Office, so they probably do it on a case by case basis, as opposed to having a full on program. I find that some websites give it more attention than others. Gamma Phi Beta has it directly on their website.