Angie:  Yes, I really am. It all seems to stem from whether I decide to pledge a sorority or not. Where I live, what my wardrobe will look like, and my vehicle may all depend on the sorority or no sorority.

Bette:  Yes. And that choice either sets limitations or releases all the limitations depending on what you do. And we, your parents would be foolish to make any plans until you make your decision. But the good news is. By Thanksgiving, we will know which direction you have chosen. Then we can plan accordingly. But we do know that you have to live in the dorm until next summer. Even if you join the sorority, you will still live in the dorm. You will still be expected to participate in all their activities. So, we will have to address your wardrobe immediately. They will require a dressier clothing and formal wear.

Angie:  That sounds like a nightmare.

Bette:  Well, you will have company in trying to make your way through their protocols. They usually have several pledges. They will have similar problems, I’m sure.

Angie:  Joining a sorority is expensive, isn’t it?

Bette:  Yes, it is. There are dues, housing fees which are greater than the dorm fees. There will be entertainment assessments and the required meal program whether you eat at the house or not. There will be the required wardrobe which non-Greeks do not have to have. And I’m sure there will be some kind of standards set for a vehicle including where you park it and when you can use it. There may be some kind of fee to have a vehicle at the sorority house. They make their members pay for the privilege of being a member of their exclusive group. And there are many who wish to be a member and are willing to do whatever it takes to be a member. Pledges are treated badly sometimes and hazing has been known to be cruel and embarrassing. And sometimes the initiations have resulted in severe injury and death to a few students. The school authorities have moved in to place restrictions on these activities, but their tradition requires them to do some really bad things sometimes. It seems funny to some, but not to the one who is going through it.