When I joined Alpha Delta Pi in August of 2020, I never anticipated the impact that it would have on my life. The incredible women, memories, and growth that I have encountered is all possible because of this very chapter. Throughout these 4 years, I have learned new lessons daily, and I would like to leave you with 20 of them as an AC ‘20 member.
1. The days are long, but the years are so short
I know you’re wishing for the next big moment- getting a little, being on executive board, getting that leadership role in your organization, getting into a program, etc. but don’t wish it away. I remember thinking my freshmen year, “I can’t wait to be a senior. They have it all figured out.” Boy, do I regret those words now. The time has flown, and I wish now that I was a freshman getting to experience college and ADPI all over again from the beginning.
2. Say YES
Life is so busy for everyone, but the best memories come in the form of the most spontaneous decisions. My best friends and I bought tickets for Carrie Underwood in the Dairy Queen drive-thru. We ended up getting our tickets upgraded and were close enough to almost touch her. It will be one of my most favorite memories from college, forever and only happened because I decided to say yes.
3. Live in the Pi Palace
You may think living with 51 other girls is daunting, but there is nothing like late nights in the TV room watching movies with your best friends, or watching UK cheer and dance nationals in the living room while everyone is screaming and cheering. I promise you will never get the opportunity to live with that many women ever again, and it is one opportunity I am so grateful I took a chance on.
4. Get involved within ADPI and on campus
Being on ADPI’s executive team, and being a part of DanceBlue have been cornerstones in my college experience. Both brought me friendships, memories, and shaped me in more ways than one.
5. Take lots of pictures
When I look back in 20 years, and show my kids all of college days, I want to have a surplus to show them. From all of the amazing women I got to spend the best years of my life with to all of the crazy adventures we embarked on.
6. Don’t be afraid to fail
Take a chance. You never know what will happen when you just put yourself out there. Don’t let fear define you and your opportunities.
7. Become okay with change
Your body, personality, interests, and who knows maybe even what you want to do with your future will change. Don’t let it scare you. Embrace what is now and thank what has gone. Every change you encounter is preparing you for the future, and that is beautiful!
8. Make decisions based on what YOU want- not others
People will try to tell you how to feel and what to do. At the end of the day, remember who stares back at you back in the mirror. Make that woman proud and take care of her.
9. Be approachable
Kindness goes a LONG way. Always be willing to be an open ear and smile for the people around you. You never know how you’re impacting someone’s day or life. My most favorite compliments I’ve ever received are when people tell me they don’t know why, but they just feel like they can talk to me. That is the product of being approachable.
10. Get close to your diamond family
My diamond family has become my greatest friends in ADPI. My big, Reagan Watkins, became not only my very first friend, but now my roommate and the most loyal best friend. When I got my little, Peyton Sutton, I was able to shower her with the same love I was shown, and be the best big sister because I had the best example set for me. Now my two grandlittles are about to add to this family, and I can’t wait to welcome them into the closest, most loving family. They each push me everyday to grow in my faith and as a woman.
11. Go to class and work hard.
Yes, we hear all the time that we should go, but go and LISTEN. Your future self will thank you for putting yourself in a position to be successful to your fullest capacity.
12. Embrace all that comes with spirit week
The days are so long, I know, but you will make so many friendships. I met women I had never spoken to, and got to know them fully because of spirit week. It is full of unexpected surprises, so embrace that.
13. Set traditions
Rather it’s with your friends or family, set aside that intentional time of the week, month, or year to be in each other's presence doing something you love together. For example, my friends and I are the biggest fans of BJ pizookies. Not only do we get our sweet tooth fix, we get to catch up around a table with one another intentionally because in the hustle and bustle of college, that’s not always easy to do.
14. Be open to making new friends everywhere you go
Some of the most unexpected friendships come at the most unexpected time. Don’t be so set on only having one group of friends, that you miss a chance of meeting friends who aren’t a part of this one group. One of my very best friends came from constantly seeing her in the ADPI bathroom every morning while we lived in the Pi Palace. Every time we saw each other, we hugged. We continue to do the same thing, even though we don’t live together. Nothing beats the unexpected friendship that came when I got close to Isabel Bankemper!
15. Schedule time to go home or call your parents
I know that college is so busy, but don’t forget that your parents' day would be made by hearing your voice and getting to hear about all of the fun that you’re having. All they want is to know you’re okay and happy.
16. People come and go in different seasons of life, and THAT’S OKAY
Let people in and let people leave. Every season brings new people, and every season lets people out of your life. It is so normal and it is so okay.
17. It’s just a grade.
School is so important. After all, it’s why you're in college, right? But don’t beat yourself up over not making that A or B on an exam. At the end of the day, study your butt off, do all you can do to be prepared, and let that bring you peace once it’s over- no matter the results.
18. Love hard and with no regrets.
Who cares if you gave your whole heart to a friendship or relationship and it failed?! You put yourself out there in the name of love, and there is nothing more honorable than that. Take the lessons you learned from it, grow, and love the next person in your life better for it.
19. Instagram is a highlight reel.
Remember this when you start comparing your life. It is my biggest lesson learned in 4 years.
20. Apply for that job, internship, program, etc.
It may not always be the most popular, glamorous decision, but you years from now will thank you when you have that experience to put on your job application or you have that knowledge to help you excel in your career.
Alpha Delta Pi has brought the most exciting and transformative hellos into my life, and will bring some of the hardest goodbye of my life. Yet, I would choose this chapter and these women over and over again, because the best things are the hardest goodbyes. I can say with total confidence that the girl who walked into that blue door 4 years ago, is a better one leaving it. I am eternally grateful for you, Alpha Delta Pi Beta Psi.
