Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard the following statement over your time as an undergraduate member of your sorority: “It’s not for four years, it’s for forever.” If your hand isn’t in the air, either A) you’re lying or B) you haven’t been listening at any meeting you’ve ever attended. It’s something that every single sorority member hears, but the fact of the matter is that it’s up to you whether it’s true or not.
Of course, there are a ton of ways that you can stay involved in your organization, but the two major ways that are always mentioned are volunteering and joining an alumnae chapter. Now, let’s be honest – volunteering isn’t for everyone. It takes a special breed of crazy to be an advisor and you may just be too sane for that bullshit. Which leaves joining an alumnae chapter, a move that may seem both intimidating and lame at the same time. But let me let you in on a little secret: being in an alumnae chapter is actually better than being in a collegiate one. Seriously. Let me tell you some reasons why.
1. The Usual Reasons.
Ok, let’s just get these out of the way, because they are true, yet boring: alumnae chapters provide great opportunities for networking, meeting people if you move to a new city, staying involved in your organization, participating in a philanthropy you’ve grown to feel very strongly about, blah blah blah. But let’s get to the good stuff.
2. It’s Way Cheaper.
Well, I don’t know the alumnae chapter dues for every organization in every location, but for the most part, alumnae membership is way cheaper than when you pay as a student. How much cheaper you ask? Some are only $30 for a WHOLE YEAR. Of course, you don’t get the same benefits like a recruitment T-shirt or free pizza at a chapter meeting, but I’m cool with that if my dues for the year are roughly the cost of a nice dinner out.
3. Nothing Is Mandatory.
Fondue dinner isn’t your thing? No problem. You’d rather get your eye poked out than go on that tour of the art history museum? Stay home and binge-watch Game of Thrones instead. One of the best parts of alumnae membership is that you don’t have to go to anything you don’t want to, because absolutely nothing is mandatory. Boring chapter meetings? There’s only like one a year and it’s – you guessed it – not mandatory. You can be as active or as inactive as you want.
4. You Only Have To Hang With The People You Like.
One of the worst parts about being in a sorority is being stuck with people you can’t stand, because in any group of people, there’s likely going to be that one girl you want to punch in the face every time she opens her mouth. And honestly, the equivalent of that girl is probably going to be in your alumnae chapter too. But the great part about alumnae chapters is that, much like you don’t have to go to everything, you don’t have to hang out with that chick. There is no forced bonding in alum life – you pretty much chill with who you want and ignore who you don’t.
5. There’s Booze At Everything.
When it comes to alcohol, alumna life is pretty much the opposite of collegiate life: not only is booze allowed at everything, it’s pretty much a necessary staple. The previously mentioned boring chapter meeting? Brunch with mimosas. Sisterhood apple picking event? At a winery. Holiday party? Spiked hot cocoa for everyone! Alums know that the spirit of sisterhood is enhanced by spirits.
So while it’s natural to be sad about all you are leaving behind, don’t fret – an even better, boozier sorority experience is still ahead of you!.
Nice Move181
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Jenna Crowley
Jenna used to be known as 2NOTBrokeGirls, but then one of the girls actually went broke, so she's struck out on her own. Jenna spends her free time saving the world, one sorority girl at a time (usually while wearing yoga pants), questioning why she decided to get a doctorate, and documenting her love of all things cheese related. You can ask her anything you want about football, using your boobs to get what you want, and pizza at @JennaLCrowley on Twitter or via email at JennaLCrowley@gmail.com.
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