This year I decided to join CHAARG at Bowling Green State University. I have always struggled with my body and my confidence. I've always been the odd girl out and the "big girl". My first year in college, I went to a community college so I didn't really have "close" friend I just hung out with my choir people. But when I came to BG I was starting all over. I didn't keep in contact with anyone from Owens or high school. So I had no one coming into BG but I made a lot of "friends" in my dorm hall. My first year on campus was very hard and I was kind of all over the place and not in my right mind. But none of those friendships lasted, they became people I hung out with for only a semester because I then joined a sorority.
When I joined my sorority I wasn't so sure about the whole thing because I never got along with girls and friendships with girls never worked out. But I did it anyway. And let me tell you: Best decision ever. I made so many amazing friends and I still keep in contact with almost all of them. Two of my best friends were my roommates in our first apartment and I loved every minute of it. But when our chapter left campus and my friends graduated I felt alone again. I moved into a new apartment by myself and it was probably the worst decision. I was on the bottom floor, I only had one window and the depression started to sink in but I didn't let anyone see it nor did I tell anyone. I didn't want anyone to know what I was feeling or that I was in a bad place. My boyfriend didn't even know until I was getting ready move out of that place. The first semester in that apartment I joined Alpha Phi Omega and it was probably the only thing that was getting me out of my hole. My chapter made feel like I belonged right and I didn't think my time BG could any better. Until I joined CHAARG.
I joined CHAARG in the fall of 2016 and I've already grown so much and gained so much confidence. I wasn't so sure about joining this organization because I do not work out and I have such a hard time eating healthy and keeping myself on track. When I joined and got placed in my small group I was super intimidated by everyone because they were smaller than me. I felt like I was once again the odd girl out and the "big" girl. But my group leader made me feel so welcomed. Susan has really helped me through the semester and if she knows it or not, she has been such a huge inspiration in my life. If it wasn't for my small group I probably wouldn't leave the house other then to go to class or chapter.
Also, there's this girl Sara Petty. Some of you may know her from her viral tweet and her amazing Odyssey articles. She was the reason I wanted to join CHAARG in the first place. She made me realize that no matter what your body looks like, you are beautiful and you can be confident. She inspired me to start appreciating my body and not let anyone bring me down.
To all you out there, male or female, being confident is a long journey. Taking that journey can take a while but in the end it's totally worth it. I haven't been this confident like ever and I have had such a huge support system the last few years and recently people who push me to be better, do better and love myself. If it wasn't for CHAARG I wouldn't be in this place; I wouldn't be so confident and happy right now. Chaarg has given me so much hope for my future. Remember, stay confident and don't let anyone bring you down. You are beautiful and sassy. So work it.
