The gift of sisterhood

Sunday was my last chapter as an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. In staying with tradition of Eta Theta, we each give our senior "will" to the chapter. I thought I'd share mine and thank Eta Theta for all of the wonderful memories.


I grew up in a typical Southern family – one where everyone is Greek. Parents, godparents, grandparents, you name it. But, like the typical 18-year-old, when I headed off to college, I wanted nothing to do with what my parents thought would be best for me. Despite the fact that I grew up with my mom’s sorority symbolism pervading our home, I was convinced that I wouldn’t fit in with modern Greek life. Eventually, my parents let it go and I went on my way.

However, Greek life called to me, as my family knew it would. And so sophomore year, there I was. When I opened my bid card to see Theta I was so relieved. From there on out it was the single best decision I ever made. Theta has given me a bond that I never thought possible, to so many beautiful women. It has opened my eyes to finding the metaphors and symbolism in everyday life and most of all it has allowed me to help carry on a tradition, hundreds of years old, while still leaving my own legacy.

Now, as I look back at these years spent in Theta I cherish the moments that allowed me to become a part of this wonderful sisterhood. Our sisterhood is a unique and precious entity. It is one that values individuals for being themselves, allowing our diversity to compliment each other. Yet, the most prolific aspect of our sisterhood is that we continue to represent the ritual that was established over a century ago. It is a privilege for me to wear our letters, ones with deeper meaning that still holds true. I hope for each of us that this meaning will be forever engraved in ours hearts and minds, that we will each continue to uphold the promises we made to Theta far beyond our college years. It has been a privilege to be a part of Eta Theta and to be a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta. Forever I will carry the memories I have made with me and remember our true worth and merit.

In typical fashion of a senior will, I have a few thoughts to leave behind.

To Charisse & KB – I leave you my faith. Because you both have seen me at my rawest and most vulnerable and continue to love me no matter what.

To the 09 officers – I leave with you my hope. My hope that you will continue to take this chapter to new heights, but also my hope that you will continue to instill in our newest sisters to come the beliefs and values that come with Eta Theta.

And to our chapter as a whole – I leave with you my love. You each mean so much to me.


xoxo
ams

Senioritis or a panic attack?

I have to admit, being a soon-to-be or recent graduate nowadays is extremely disheartening. For the last 18 years, give or take, I've been a student. It's what I've always done well, it's what I've always loved, and it's what I've poured my heart and soul into because it's what I always known. When I got to college, unlike so many of my friends, I immediately found a major that I knew what perfect for me. Since Day 1, I've always felt that I was made for PR. I actually like my classes and my professors are honestly some of my best friends, not to mention I probably own them my first born child due to their help. But now, after four years of striving for the light at the end of the tunnel, I approach it with a heavy heart. I've spent time making copies or running errands and I want now more than anything to have a job to put my heart into after school. I want my own business cards and my name on a cubicle or office and I want to know that school and work has finally paid off. But instead of seeing graduation ahead of me like a beacon for a new chapter in my life, it looms over my days, shadowing them with nervousness and worry. I'm ready to take the next step in my life and continue growing, but instead I am only consumed with worries. Is grad school the best option now? Do I try for an MBA or stay in the field of communications? Do I take a part-time internship and wait tables at night? Do I move home and feel defeated?

I just wish I could see what was coming next or have at least a glimpse of my future. But I am thankful to have at least one interview lined up. I don't want to get my hopes up with the competitive job market, but hopefully after next week I will be able to tailor my thoughts a little more.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Oh goodness.

xoxo
-ams

Extending relationships

As a PR gal, I generally feel that I am more connected to the nature of building relationships than those around me that aren't in my field. I don't specifically try to make it my business to know everyone, but the things that I am involved in, I do try to make it my business to know something about everyone. For example, there are approximately 150 girls in my sorority, but I can say with confidence that I know at least 1 thing about each and everyone one of them. This is part of why I know I was meant for the PR field, because this comes so naturally to me, it's something I want to go out of my way to do. To me, that's a huge part of Public Relations that I feel is overlooked so frequently - the simple act of building and maintaining relationships with those around us.

Yet personally, the act of building relationships with people comes pretty naturally. What is often more challenging is building a relationship with God. So, I've decided to actively make "Christian" a verb, rather than noun or an adjective, in my vocabulary because it implies action. It isn't just what I am, it's what I am doing too. I've always been of the belief that "sitting in church doesn't make you any more of a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car," but that motto only goes so far until you finally take the next step towards creating a relationship with your Savior. Being a Christian means having a living relationship with God, a relationship like you might have with your best friend. It means opening the doors of communication to learn more about your Creator and to allow him to know you fully in return.

I'm amazed at how long it took me to realize this, since I do feel that I have been a Christian for most of my life. Maybe it just takes someone else to help you open your eyes and to show you that He is always there, waiting for you to find Him too.



xoxo
-ams

Desiderata

I keep finding myself reflecting on this poem. It's so lovely, I thought I'd share:

Desiderata
Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Oh goodness! I feel like I've been absent from the blogosphere from far too long now. Life has been a little hectic lately, needless to say. As they say, "when it rains, it pours." But graduation is only a few weeks away and I'm looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my life, which hopefully includes a j-o-b. ;)

Yet, as the semester rages on, I have had a few moments of introspection spaced here and there. As I begin to grow older I truly strive to focus less on physicality and attraction. But a good discussion with some friends tonight reminded me how much our society is focused on appearances. As a single gal nowadays, I've come to realize the moment I mention a guy to my girlfriends - simply a friend or other interest - they first question they ask is, "Is he cute?" Not that my friends are superficial, because I find myself doing the same thing and I overhear plenty of other people asking it too, but why as a society is that our first question, our first judgment? Why not "Does he treat you right?" or "Is he smart/driven/successful?" I find this societal theory of mine even outside of the physical realm. We are so quick to judge each other, when isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?

In my creative writing class this semester, we are encouraged to write a diverse selection of pieces including poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction. After our first drafts are completed, we sit as a class and discuss each others pieces. Yet I find that people are so quick to criticize, but when it comes to giving a compliment, a hush falls over the class. Why is it so easy for some people to pick out problems but so hard to give suggestions or compliments? I feel that this has something to do with our inner turmoil and insecurities that we each face daily, but just think about how much better the world would be if each day we each strove to give compliments or constructive criticism rather than doling out judgments left and right.

This is my goal for the next few weeks - to begin to increasingly improve my attitude and hopefully inspire others to do so to!

Good luck readers!

xoxo
-ams

New York State of Mind

My final spring break is nearly over! It's hard to believe, but I definitely made the most of it.

With the UCF Ad Club, I traveled up to the Big Apple to explore the city, an Ad/PR mecca. Although I have been to NYC before, I have to say that this trip was truly an eye-opener for me. Sometimes I find myself getting a little swept up in my dreams of becoming Carrie Bradshaw that I forget the need to be pragmatic. We met with a few UCF alum in the area as well as industry execs and they helped us to truly understand what the city is about and how the industry works.

Exhausted from traveling, I just wanted to share a few photos before I go relax in the warm Sunshine State weather. :)

Here are a few of my favorite moments, from Central Park to the Today Show, I loved every minute!







xoxo
-ams

Victimized by mass messaging

Generally, I consider myself quite the victim of spam and mass mailings. It truly depresses me when I open my inbox to find that 3 out of 4 messages are junk mail or forwarded messages that threaten my day if I don't pass them on. Although I love my family, even they continuously pass along these letters and videos.

But today, on a whim, I opened a forwarded piece and it actually made me stop and think for a moment, rather than immediately pressing 'delete.' Here's the quote:

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

As I continue to fret daily over the economy, job market, my future, and my family I realized that I need to put it in His hands. Although much easier said than done, I've posted this quote on my desk to remind me every day, not to worry as much and to just enjoy the ride.

So, I hope that this provides some encouragement for you too!

xoxo
-ams