As September sweeps through Burlington, my sophomore year has been packed with new patterns and routines. I’ve been enjoying and embracing these adjustments, specifically my housing situation. Unlike my traditional freshman dorm room experience, this year I am fortunate enough to live in my sorority house. Although it has only been a few weeks, it has already become an experience I know I will always cherish. There were many aspects I originally looked forward to: bonding moments, a welcoming and supportive house mom, and a comfortable living environment. Little did I know I would experience a surprising mentorship as well.Â
When I found out one of the perks of living at the Tri Delta house was that my meal plan included a chef, I was stoked. The thought of home cooked meals after a long year of adjusting to the dining hall was music to my ears, but never would I have imagined that this chef would mean much more to me than just food.Â
Meeting Maryann for the first time, I was intrigued. I knew nothing about who would be in the kitchen, so when I came downstairs before my first day of classes the enthusiastic woman greeting me took me by surprise. Bustling around the kitchen, she filled the room with energy. She fired questions at me about my classes, major, and plans for the day.Â
If you know me, you know I am a person who loves to talk. There’s nothing I would rather do than connect with others, and Maryann’s conversation immediately put me at ease. I remember walking to my classes feeling a little less nervous about the start of the year, because she reassuringly told me I would have a great day. Not that she hoped I would – but that she knew it.
Maryann’s encouragement stuck with me throughout the day, and seemed to manifest itself. Day after day, she continued to support and check in with me to see how things were going. It didn’t matter how busy she was planning meals for the week, or if it was a lunchtime rush; if I sat down across the counter and needed someone to talk to, she was happy to listen.Â
Not only does she listen, but she teaches. She is incredibly passionate about what she does with her life and the experiences that brought her there. She truly speaks from the heart when giving advice. When I expressed anxiety about the future, she told me to “never be afraid to take a left,” and that it doesn’t matter where you end up as long as you are “always following what makes you happy.” She also told me to “never stop changing.” As an anxious person who dreads making the wrong choices, this meant everything to me.Â
So now every day I get to look forward to the long chats, laughter and advice in the kitchen, as well as the welcoming presence of the woman behind the counter. Tri Delta emphasizes the importance of strong female connections and role models, and by living in the house I have been lucky enough to be around and learn from one every day. I came into this semester excited about a lot of things, but her mentorship and kindness have been the most meaningful of all.