Unfortunately, my senior year was cut short due to the Coronavirus and, although I know it was the best decision in order to keep everyone safe and healthy, it’s still upsetting that there were so many goodbyes left unsaid. However, I will not let COVID-19 take away the “good bye” that means the most to me – my farewell to Her Campus at West Chester.
Back in September 2019, I began my senior year scrambling to find an organization on campus that would allow me to build my portfolio while doing something I love – writing and creating content for social media. I felt like there was nothing for me. Sadly, I couldn’t even make it to the fall Involvement Fair due to having class, so this left me thinking I was doomed and that there was no hope of publishing work of my own. Then, out of the blue one day, I received a text from a friend. It was a screenshot of a Her Campus flyer stating that they were looking for writers, social media content creators, photographers, event planning, and more. I was in awe – this was exactly what I had been looking for during my time at West Chester University.
Being the shy person that I am, I went to the first meeting of the semester scared and nervous, even contemplating backing out and not attending because my anxiety was skyrocketing. However, I pushed through it, assured myself that I was going to be fine, went to the meeting, and left with the biggest smile on my face. I knew this was the place for me. I remember leaving the first meeting and calling my mom immediately to tell her how excited I was to join this organization; we both knew it was perfect. I sent my writing and social media application in as soon as I could and began creating the content that was important to me.
One of the best things about Her Campus is that it’s an outlet for women to express what is important to them; values, beliefs, opinions – anything is welcomed, actually encouraged. You have the ability to write about whatever is meaningful to you but also anything that you want to shed light on to. People commonly write articles about beauty, culture, finance, jobs, lifestyles, wellness – the possibilities are endless. No limitations, no judgment, it’s an organization for you to be yourself.
The women within this organization are the most humble, outgoing, hardworking, and inspiring individuals I have ever met. Everyone welcomes you with open arms and makes you feel like you’ve always been a part of the family – this is a girl gang that has changed my life and I couldn’t be more thankful. I’ve always had a hard time meeting new people and getting involved on campus, but these girls completely changed that side of me. I looked forward to seeing their smiles every week and being surrounded by their personalities at every meeting we held. I never felt alone with them. I always knew that they would have my back when I needed it the most, they were a support system and they will always be.
I have fallen in love with Her Campus from the start. I was lucky enough to be added to the executive team as the Marketing and Publicity Director – accepting the position was the best decision of my life. While working side-by-side with the Social Media Director, we were able to boost our social media following from zero to almost 1,000 followers over the course of two semesters, with the following growing each and every single day. That’s pretty freaking incredible for a new organization on campus. We’re women who feel empowered with the main goal of empowering women. As the number of members also continues to grow, I know Her Campus at West Chester will continue moving towards bigger achievements and I am so excited to see what they accomplish next.
To my girls: thank you for keeping me sane and supporting me with everything I do. Without you all, I don’t know what I would’ve done with my senior year. I’m going to miss seeing all of you every week and being able to closely work with you on events, articles, and meetings, but I know you will continue to amaze me with all of your amazing ideas. I wish you all the best of luck and continued success and happiness.
Thank you, Her Campus at West Chester, for changing my life for the better and opening up opportunities I never thought I would have the chance to get. I will forever be your #1 fan cheering you on from the sidelines.