I am always surprised with the amount of people who go away after their first year of college. You meet so many amazing people in your first year, when suddenly they start dropping like flies. Some say, “Oh, it’s just a semester, I’ll be back.” But we all know the upsetting reality.
In the fall of 2015, I was one of those flies. I was in a situation where a semester home was simply the best remaining option. I came to terms with the fact I wouldn't be around the place I love with all my friends and sisters. It was only a single semester… Hey, at least I knew I was coming back. I was okay with how things were playing out, but nearly every day I was upset due to the fact I was away from Alpha Omicron Pi- my home away from home.
Withdraw one --- The moment formal recruitment started was when the first wave of emotions came in. All of my sisters were sharing their excitement and all I could think about for at least 10 hours straight was how badly I would rather be talking to these potential new members. I would even prefer those awkward conversations, that you are trained to avoid in all those countless workshops. Withdraw 2 --- BID DAY! I will never ever forget my bid day: shouting with, singing with and hugging all these people who are about to be some of the most important people in my life. All I wanted was to sing our panda chants and meet all the lovely ladies who potential planed to go AOII. I sat by my phone all day, counting the minutes I returned to UMaine, liking and loving all the Instagrams and Snapchats.
There were lots of events along the way that added to sorrow, such as our philanthropy event with Chi Omega, big/little reveal and of course formal! (I decided to make the 8 hour drive up for initiation, I couldn't miss everything). Missing all these events were like stabs straight to the heart. It was so much more than just the events however. It was the sisterhood, the fact that I was surrounded by people that lift me up when I’m feeling down, that make me laugh until I am in pain, basically all those #goals you hope to find in a friend. I was reminded of the fact sisterhood was forever. My big, checking up on me constantly making sure I was coming back,“or else.” Then whether or not my other sisters were updating me on sorority news, keeping me involved in love reports or continuing to make me laugh 600 miles away, they were always around. If it was something as small as a snapchat of girls before meeting or an hour long phone call about the night before, It made all those missed events feel like I was somewhat there.
If you plan to take a semester off don’t sweat it. Sisters are lifelong. Remember that and hold it tight. It’s also true what they say --- “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” I have found a new meaning in ritual, a new level of appreciation for the words we are told to memorize and an acknowledgment in how lucky I am to be surrounded by such inspirational ladies. So here is a little thank you! Thank you for going AOII, thank you for allowing me to know you thank you for being my sister. ALAM.
