It's Who You're With That Matters

Since I started my undergrad education 2 years ago in a city halfway across the country from where I grew up, by far the hardest thing to do has been learning how to live with long distance friendships. Whether you’re at home or at school, there’s always a group of bright, lovely friends that you stay in touch with through text, snapchat, FaceTime, and, if you’re lucky, good old fashioned I-hopped-on-a-plane-just-to-see-you visits. 

Now I’m really lucky because one of my very best friends from school has come to visit me in my hometown of Washington D.C. twice now in the two years that I’ve known her. Last year, Delaney and I spent days at the zoo, exploring monuments, and checking out the hip neighborhoods – all of those fun touristy things that I’ve been doing with relatives and out of town friends since I was old enough to walk. Really if you’re ever in town, hit me up, cause I’ve got an evening monument tour that I could give in my sleep.

 

Delaney and I at the National Zoo in 2014.

But this second year around, the tourist routine didn’t seem to cut it. On Delaney’s first day here, I took her to a street fair in which I expected browsing to take at least an hour, and after a 15 minute spin through we were done. And that was when my little bit of anxiety started creeping in…was I being a terrible host for not having planned more effectively? I mean Delaney was only here for a few days! And she had come all the way to D.C. from Chicago! Shouldn’t I be making every moment as special as I could?

With these worries in the back of my mind we spent the afternoon sitting and just talking. After a couple of hours of chatting aimlessly we stopped and looked at each other, realizing that my lack of planning and trying to make it special had given us a great day. It was kind of nice, even though we only had four days to spend together to just take those hours and chill. To talk outdoors without a computer or cellphone in sight. To not worry about whether of not the moment was as special and unique as it could have been and just be able to enjoy each other. Even though we were busy and had limited time and at first it felt counterintuitive, there was no more valuable or special way we could have spent that day together than just doing nothing.

So I guess my big lesson was this: in our busy and scheduled lives, we need to take the pressure off our ourselves to have every moment we spend with our friends be special or planned. I mean, in the end Delaney didn’t come visit to see the city, she came to see me. It was a lovely reminder that it’s not what you’re doing or where you are, but who you’re with that matters.

Greetings from Washington DC

 

Last month I was in Washington DC surrounded by over 100 students from many Greek organizations. It was amazing. I went to Capitol Hill and got to meet with so many people who were part of Greek organizations in college and are now working along side Congress and the Senate. It’s really remarkable to see what being in a Greek organization can do for you. I know during recruitment people are always saying that going Greek gives great networking opportunities, and that’s true but more so, it helps you make steps to get into your career after college.  I spoke to so many people about when they were active in their chapters, they took on leadership positions and were very active in their volunteer work. This got them to see what they wanted to do after college. You get more from your organization with how much you put into your organization.

" Don't think about failing, just go for it. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game " - A Cinderella Story

Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that.

1.       Run for a leadership position-Nothing says I want to get involved with my chapter more than taking on a leadership positon. It challenges you in ways you never thought possible. I suggest taking on a position that is close to what you want to do after college. For me I ran for scholarship chair because I want to become a teacher.

2.       Ask if you can sit in on meetings with your Executive Board/Council-Its like being the stage crew for a big Broadway musical. You get to see the behind the scenes work and what it takes to make an amazing organization.

3.       Volunteer just to volunteer-Don’t do it for the hours. Do it because you love to help others. With me I love to volunteer with education because I want to become a teacher after college. Not to mention I also love to work with animals. With me I love to volunteer in education, I got an internship on campus where I help high school, middle school and elementary students excited for college, and give them the support they need!

4.       Help out with recruitment-This is the craziest and most wonderful time of the year. This means your recruitment chair/chairs will need lots of help to make sure everything runs smoothly and goes perfect.

5.       Join a committee-In your chapter there are usually committees that go along with the many positions your sorority has to offer in leadership positions.

6.       Look into other student organizations- This is one I really recommend because knowing what your campus has to offer you will really open up doors for you. Especially when your part of a Greek organization. For me, I got an internship on campus with Associated Students where I help out with workshops and campus tours. I’m not only helping my community and school but also promoting getting involved with Greek life.

7. Become a Big Sister-When I first decided I wanted to become a big I had no idea what to expect. I had always wanted a little sister but little did I know it became so much more than that. My two amazing little sisters have made me a better version of myself. And also they have given me two also amazing grand little sisters. Becoming a Big is more than a title its about being a mentor them and also yourself. Best choice ever!

Side note from my DC trip: This was an amazing experience, I not only got to meet so many Greeks but also got to meet three amazing other women who I am proud and honored to call my sisters. Remembering that its not just four years, its for life!