<p>So I am transferring to UF for Fall 2012 as a junior. I am very non-traditional: 24 year-old, single mother. I have ALWAYS wanted to join a sorority, ever since Legally Blonde first came out. Once I had my son, I pretty much assumed that joining a sorority would never happen. That is until a few weeks ago when a sister told me I should rush this fall. She knows of my situation and said that it doesn't make me any less of a potential bid.</p>
<p>So my question is: Is it completely ludicrous to rush this fall, considering that I have a four year-old. And what would be the best, and by best I mean the most mindful of my personal status, to rush for?</p>
<p>I would also like to know what the average time and money spent on a sorority is? I am willing to devote certain hours of my week to a good cause, like the networking and philanthropy that comes with being a sister.</p>
<p>Have you thought about if you could really bond with a bunch of 17 and 18 yr olds that would be your pledge sisters? Idk personally at your age and with your situation id feel too mature and busy for sorority life. Heck I’m a little younger than you and I feel too old for that stuff anymore. A lot of people come to a point where they get over it and outgrow greek life and its high school-like drama, myself included.</p>
<p>Yea, I’ve talked with a lot of people and they have all said the same thing about the maturity level. Now I feel like an old grandmother. I’m just going to join a bunch of clubs and focus on my school work.</p>
<p>FWIW-- Life is about serious choices. I’d focus on getting the education that will assist you in raising your child as opposed to doing the many simple minded things that sorority pledges are saddle with. The child is the priority.</p>
<p>I would highly suggest you go and check out Fall Rush! My opinion is that you should make an educated decision by experiencing it first hand vs regretting it later in life because you never attempted it! One poster said that it’ll be hard to be friends with 17 year olds, this is true however they will look up to you as you are older and know a LOT more than they do! Plus you have to remember that it isn’t just young girls in a sorority, there are at least 30 girls that are going to be VERY close to your age group that are in grad school, law school, med school or seniors!</p>
<p>To be completely honest, you are going to automatically loose about 50% of sororities as they don’t like older girls (sophomores and above) who can’t commit a full 4 years. Since you are transferring you can easily make it clearer that you have at least 3 years to give to them and will continue afterwards. </p>
<p>More-so, you are going to encounter some difficulties with time and your child. I can’t comment much to how much time you are going to invest but it’s going to be a good amount. Remember this and I urge that if you do follow through, get a good friend to watch your child! </p>
<p>My personal recommendation, look heavily towards Sigma Kappa, Phi Mu and Chi Omega and talk to a bunch of girls there. They aren’t as crazy with their requirements and are a bit flexible vs other sororities (For example one sorority at UF will ask if your parents own a boat and if not your tossed into the maybe pile or a declined pile)</p>
<p>Thanks, gatrhumpy. I talked to someone who said there actually were a lot of girls that were older and transfers and that I should not be discouraged by my age. I really honestly want to join a sorority for all of the networking opportunities and because I don’t know anyone else that is still in college. </p>
<p>I live with my mother (yep, I know…), so finding someone to watch my son is no problem. Of course, I would want to have him involved as much as possible with all of my school endeavors, which is what I do now. I feel like that may take away from the other sisters’ experiences though, you know what I mean? </p>
<p>What about informal Spring Rush? Is that less competitive? Or is that just giving me less time to be active in a sorority, which in turn makes me less desirable.</p>
<p>Oh, and my parents do own a boat. </p>
<p>PrettyPeridot, at least UF doesn’t have a Zeta house like in “House Bunny”. I’m sure everyone would recommend I go there. :)</p>
<p>Hi, I don’t know if you still check this. What ended up happening when you rushed? I want to rush as well, but not sure if I should. I’m involved on campus and have been able to balance being a mom and student. I have a year left and want to make the most of it. </p>