I want you to think of the word Community. What comes to your mind? Your town? Your sports team? Your writing club? ;)
As I think back over the many different seasons of my life, especially since being at college at Oklahoma State. I’ve realized there are always different seasons for all the parts of life. There are seasons of busyness and seasons to slow down. Seasons of love and seasons of loneness. Seasons for old friends and seasons for new friends. Seasons to grow and seasons of reflection. But throughout all of those seasons, My favorite season for myself began when I joined my sorority: Zeta Tau Alpha. Before you start reading yes I know It’s a super cliche and total college girl topic, but in all reality my sorority has helped me grow into such an even more well rounded person than I ever thought I could be.
Coming into college, You really can never be prepared for all of the changes that will happen in and around you. Finding your community in college is the most important thing you can do for your happiness and success in college.
The first person who became my community in Zeta was my big, Ashton. The first time my big asked me to hangout, we walked Greek row, (which is the sidewalks around the fraternity and sorority houses) and talked about life. The moment was so raw and honest and I’ll always remember it. Since then my big has done nothing but love and motivate me, and when I need guidance it is always with my best intentions in mind. She has cheered me on during my successes and helped me through my trials. She was there for me during my depression and self doubt that followed a horrible breakup to remind me of my worth. She kept hope in me, when I had lost any for myself. As I went through such a huge learning experience, Ashton was patient and kind throughout all my ups and downs of freshman year. She pushed me towards God and peace, instead of the more harmful things which college offers. I wish every freshman could have a mentor has amazing as I have, and I will always be so thankful. I strive to be just as much of a light to my little, Jamie, as my big was to me.
In high school, I put everything I had into my soccer career. My freshmen year playing soccer at Tahlequah High School ( put your T up) I actually broke my left femur going up for a header, and the goalie took me out. Everything went black for a moment and then instant pain consumed me. It was the most agonizing pain, and a long recovery, but nothing was worse than sitting the bench and watching the game instead of playing in it. After I recovered I set 3 goals; to be captain, to all-state and to get a scholarship to college. I accomplished all three of those. After touring the colleges I had received scholarships from, I realized if I played soccer in college I would most likely lose my love for the game so I decided to come to Oklahoma State and not play college soccer. It wasn’t about being my best self on the field possible anymore, and for a while I regretted it, I felt I didn’t know who I was without it. After joining Zeta however I was able to play on soccer intramural teams. I played on an all girls Zeta team and on a Co-Ed team with Beta Theta Pi. It was competitive and fun. I felt so appreciated and loved. Everyone was very supportive and I learned to focus on purely enjoying the game with my sisters. I feel I appreciate the game even more now than I did in high school. The girls on my soccer team became some of my dearest friends in zeta, and some of my favorite memories are from those games.
Zeta has given me life long friendships, and sisters. Each one of my sisters holds a special place in my heart. Our fashionistas, our athletes, our scientists, our artists, our singers, our nature lovers, they all bring their own sparkle to our castle. Each one of my sister’s is truly herself, and It’s what I love most about zeta. Living in the zeta house this year with my sorority sisters, has taught me to see each of them for their talents and love them through their flaws and it truly feels like a community, always. Having so many people to say Hi to walking around campus really does brighten your day. Someone is always there to watch a movie, go to a yoga class, or study with. I’ve made friendships and memories in this house that I will treasure forever. Zeta has continued to push me to become my best self. It has allowed me to run for and hold leadership positions. It has humbled my heart more by learning and doing service work for our philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. It has strengthened my confidence, by motivating me to speak at our preference day ceremony during recruitment. It has made me feel loved everyday while being surrounded by the most unique and genuine girls there are. There are no other girls I would want to enjoy My Season of college with, and there is no other place I would want to call home.
Zeta Love and Mind,
Lydian.