With three years down and only one more to go, I've had one hell of a ride here at Southern Illinois University. I've had my ups and downs, successes and failures, lessons and mistakes, and everything in between. Looking back, I can't help but be thankful that I was blessed with such an amazing experience to become the woman I want to be and have a group of amazing women around me to support me in that endeavor. Through everything I have learned, there is so much that I would like to share with all of the amazing new women that have joined my sorority this year.
It goes by in a blink of an eye, so live it up.
College flies by a hell of a lot faster that high school. Live it up as much as you possibly can, and enjoy every moment. Make memories that you want to tell your grandchildren when you're 80 years old. Create stories that you can tell the younger girls in the chapter when you're 40. Have memories you can still laugh about with your pledge class when you come back for the 100th Anniversary. One of my favorite sayings is "Carpe Diem," or "seize the day," and I have it hanging up in my room to remind me each and every day to do exactly what it implies. Do what you want to do. Run for that position you're dying to have. Go out when you feel like it. Study abroad. Don't be afraid to flirt with that cute guy. Take LOTS AND LOTS of pictures and videos. Make each year better than the one before.
Become the intelligent, well-rounded, and amazing woman you came here to be.
You're here for an education, which is a privilege that many young women in the world don't get to experience. Stay off of your phone in classes, take note of the things you learn in your internships and jobs (on or off-campus), and learn from the people around you. You can totally live it up how I mentioned above while also kicking some major ass in class and work. Don't ever underestimate or take your abilities and skills for granted. This is the beginning of the rest of your life, and you'll learn so much in the short time that you're here that will prepare you for your life and career ahead of you.
Make your sisters and your girl friends a higher priority than boys.
The absolute goddess that is Carrie Bradshaw once stated, "Maybe our girl friends are our soul mates, and guys are just people to have fun with." I've never heard a truer statement. I've been in my fair share of relationships, flings, "baes," you name it, and I've definitely had fun, much like my girl Carrie. I've learned these college guys come and go, no matter how serious you may think it is. But the one constant in your life is your sisters. Take the time to be present with your sisters. Laugh with them, cry with them, support them, encourage and motivate them, study with them, be absolutely crazy with them and make kick-ass memories with them. Because you'll end up finding your own Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. If you haven't already.
Be nice.
This is such a simple statement, but it's often SO hard to put into practice. We all have our moments. I know I have. But the one thing I've learned most in my three-plus years here is that being mean, catty, petty, and rude does not make your life any better. It's a waste of energy. It contributes to a significantly negative life. Go out of your way to be nice to people; they'll remember that about you. Try to make a sister's day, because you never know what else is happening on the inside. Make people feel welcomed around you, because why would you want the opposite? Grow up, and be a mature human being. Even to that girl at the bar who's always being rude to you. Even to that ex-boyfriend who tries to get under your skin. They are the ones with the issues. Don't succumb to it. You aren't in high school anymore.
Don't let your mistakes define you as a person.
In the next two, three, or four years, you will make plenty of mistakes. You will say and do things you won't be proud of the next day. You may forget to do an assignment. You may say things you don't mean to a friend. You may get your heart broken. You may get rumors started about you. Trust me, if these things happen, it won't be the end of the world. Learn from these experiences and move on, and lean on your sisters to get through your troubles. Try harder on the next assignment or quiz. Apologize to your friend. Learn how to mend your heart back together. Rise above the rumors. Let how you respond to the mistakes define you as a person. The world is always spinning, and you are always progressing forward.
Take heed of this and the other advice that the older girls in the chapter may give you, but along the way, you'll figure things out on your own and learn lessons of your own to pass down. But above all, enjoy the journey.
