We know what to wear and how to wear it. We know the latest fashions by following magazines like Marie Claire and Vogue, shop online and in-stores at the trendiest shops, and as girls we have been taught how to walk and talk like the world is our runway. But ladies, it’s time to get serious, because sometimes we forget the most important features to our style, and in light of recent events on our campus, its time to rally ourselves and worry about something a whole lot more fashionable that outfits or accessories: class, spirit, and kindness…
Class:
Collegiettes, a lot of times we think of sophistication and class in terms of wardrobe in our blogs. We remark on the refinement of high heels, stacked bracelets, and bold lipstick. We reference style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor—but we forget exactly what made them so unforgettable, and that is a sort of class that cannot be defined by the physical…
Racial tensions have been overflowing and erupted into aggressive, borderline violent acts and commentaries. Class is not strictly a sense of “ladylikeness”, girls. This applies to everyone. Having class means having and giving respect, turning away from ignorance and embracing openness, and standing up for modern personal values.
Spirit:
I remember sitting in my introductory sociology class two weeks ago and our teacher making the comment at how Wake is the least enthusiastic and school-spirited university she has encountered, and that maybe we needed a common rival to thread us together. This really struck home to me, and collegiettes, I think it should resonate with you too!
Spirit comes from a collegiette’s smile, her attitude, and her effect on others. So Demon Deacon fans, let’s spread some of this enthusiasm around—support games, wear black and gold, and be proud to be a Wake Forester. And as for a common rival to draw us together? My teacher was right. At this moment, the enemy we need to focus in on is our own recent racial divides.
Kindness:
This, ladies, is the uniting factor between class and spirit! It’s easy to do the small things: offer a smile, compliment a friend, hold the door open for a peer. But what about the bigger kindnesses? The inclusion of a stranger at the table, a defensive remark to rescue a bullied classmate, positive Yaks to break up the nasty stream of racially and sexually charged ones. Kindness isn’t passive, ladies—it’s action we all need to take.
Remember one of the most inspirational women who graced our very own campus, and take her words to heart:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou-
If you read this and agree with the message, please share. It’s time to give WFU a makeover!