After living in a sorority house for a year, I have had some of the best experiences of my life. For those who have lived in Greek housing, you can attest to how wonderful life is there. You get to be closer with your chapter, have meals prepared for you and come back after a hard day of classes to a nice, welcoming atmosphere. However, it's important to realize that all the luxuries of living in the house didn't just magically appear. No, there was an individual working incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure that her "House," would feel more like a home for the girls living in it (and often even for those who didn't). This special person, though different for each Sorority is best known as a "House Mom."
We owe so much to these lovely ladies, and no amount of words can ever equate to all they do for us, but here's a try...
Dear Nana,
When you walk onto The University of Kentucky’s Campus, it is very easy to be awestruck by the array of beautiful Greek houses, their grand stature and bold lettering that can leave anyone wanting to be a part of the community. But despite the glitz behind all the houses, there is only one I can call home.
But wait? House...Home -- are these not synonymous? Absolutely not.
Home is more than merely a roof over your head. In fact, home entails a variety of moments and beautiful memories that leave you with a feeling of ease and comfort. For me, I was able to find a home because of a very special lady known to some as "mom," "daughter," etc. but to 42 girls on a daily basis as “Nana.”
Nana, I can't begin to thank you for the great lengths you took to make sure that everyone felt included. In you, I see not only an adult I respect but a confidant -- a friend. You've done a wonderful job of keeping the atmosphere of our home peaceful, and you never cease to surprise us with your kind gestures (AKA baking cookies, cake, and literally anything we tell you we're craving).
You have devoted yourself to our home by not only being a pleasant person to sit and chit-chat with but by making sure the house runs smoothly. There has never been a morning where you haven’t greeted me with a smile. Your warm and welcoming nature inspires me to be good to all I come in contact with.
Even on my hardest days, I know that you are someone I can depend on to make my day a little brighter, and in my heart, there is no one more deserving of "thank you" than you are.
Your girls are really going to miss you (and your egg salad) this summer.
Thank you for all the good advice, not hating us after we set off the alarm every weekend at 3 a.m. and for being the best house mom we could've asked for.
Love,
Your Roommates
