"It’s not for four years, but it’s for life.”
That’s what we live by as we grow, form bonds and make memories as members of a sorority or fraternity. But, once you venture off campus and into the real world, that life isn’t the same as it once was, and it’s not a bad thing. Not negative, just different.
There are many things to look forward to once becoming an alumna or alumnus of a sorority or fraternity.
1. Formal is a yearly reunion and an event you're willing dress up for.
There is more than just one event to head back to campus for after graduating. You have an excuse to doll up, you get to take pictures with your family line while looking smashing and best of all, you don’t have to slave over the planning and organizing of the event.
Finally, as alumni, we can sit back, smile and appreciate the hard work our younger brothers or sisters are doing for the chapter to celebrate another great year.
2. You're able to join alumni or alumnae chapters.
The “for life” part of the statement rings true when you join an alumni or alumnae chapter. Depending on the size of your organization, you may even find a chapter states away from your college chapter. Sisters and brothers are nearly across the country. Making that move out of state and being homesick may not be as big as an issue as you thought.
Plus, if you want to find a way to stay involved with your fraternity or sorority, these alumni and alumnae chapters are great for that, networking and also a nice reminder of why you joined in the first place.
3. The prospect of a legacy is all too exciting.
You're wife is pregnant? Is it a boy? It is? Yes! It’s time to buy baby clothes with Greek letters and your colors and mascot!
Even though it will be about 18 years to see this legacy earn his or her badge, the idea of it becomes more real and a possibility than when you were an active. For the males, there may be less screeching and infant-to-toddler clothing purchases, but the possibility of a legacy is exciting nonetheless.
4. You can finally afford to buy swag you always wanted.
Admit it, you may have spent a little too much money at your organization’s clothing and accessories table at convention or another event. Or, there was something so tempting to buy but you were sick of eating ramen noodles and a Circle K Polar Pop for dinner.
As college students, it may not be in the budget to spend $30 on a tank top to wear when you and your sisters go on spring break. Once graduating and working full time, buying that tank or tote with adorable Vera Bradley letters on it doesn’t seem so extreme or anxiety-inducing. You can finally afford all the swag! As Tom Haverford from "Parks and Recreation" would say: “Treat yo’self!”
5. Best of all, you still get to see your chapter grow despite not being in on the action 24/7.
Even though social media keeps us in the loop more than we should be, there is still a lot that may go on that we don’t see online. When your vice president who handles alumni or alumnae relations sends that monthly or quarterly newsletter, you can’t help but belt out a little squeal and open that email or letter right away.
Whether it’s being introduced to the newest members, seeing the bright sisters or brothers who have earned high academic honors, viewing a photo of the chapter donating time for a charity or learning your chapter took first place during Greek Week for the third year in a row, memories flood your mind and take you back to a great time during your college experience. The list doesn't stop here. It's just important to recognize what you put into it will determine what you get out of it. Isn't that something we refer to while an active as well?
