I was waiting in line at Starbucks to get my vanilla latte (tall, iced, decaf, skim, extra shots of vanilla) this morning when I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Something reminded me of sorority rush all over again. I'm not sure whether it was the heat in the air that felt reminiscent of August in Florida, people huddled in a coffee shop trying to stay cool, calm, and collected, or my desire to have a cold beverage in hand when I entered my next destination.
Nevertheless, it was nice to remember for a moment. Because I know I'll never forget the way I felt when we all rushed from the main room to the foyer, got into position for the potential new members to enter, and were prompted to be absolutely silent until the doors opened. I took those few precious seconds of quiet to breathe a sigh of relief. That door was so symbolic, it separated us from them in every which way and I was just grateful to be on the inside of it.
I think the biggest and best lesson I have learned in this past year has to be that you can only be a true friend to someone if you know how to be happy for them. I have seen this in both myself and others. I have recognized that I feel disappointed when good things happen to bad people. I can never truly be their friend because I see them in a new light and I am unable to feel happiness for their successes, even if accidental. On the contrary, I have seen people scoff at my good fortunes, and I realize that they were probably never really my friend in the first place.
I'm far wiser now than I was then. And I'm still ever thankful to be on the inside of the door.
9 comments:
with tears and with laughter, we'll always remember our dear kappa days...
don't forget the Burger King Breakfast....
Your the most favorite I thing I got in Kappa rush :)
love.
very true words, TAG.
I stumbled across your blog, and I couldn't agree with your post more! Recruitment was my favorite part of the year when I was in college and some of my best sorority memories are from that one week that I would spend locked up in the house with everyone each Fall. I also went to school in FL so I know all about the August heat!
I love this... you can never be a good friend until you can be truly happy for them and not jealous... good thought!! xxooo
"From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it." One of my favorite rush quotes for you!
It's funny. I always hate recruitment time here. But the way you put things kind of makes me see it from from a different perspective. I'm going to be a rho gamma this year, and I think part of not being able to get through rush was cause I couldn't talk to the PNMs. But now I can, I just can't tell them I'm a kappa.
After reading this I'm sad to disaffiliate in July
But yes, you are right. Friends need to appreciate no matter what.
While recruitment is not my fave, I can appreciate the calmness and status quo that exists before the NMs come, it's extremely comforting.
I'm so happy you continued on in Kappa as our PDA no one is better suited :) Now you have to come visit the Canadian Chapters you inherited- or just me :)
Emily
Great post, Teddi! You lead a fascinating, blessed life. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't deserve every ounce of it.
I know of a lot of girls back home who are religious readers of this blog. I only hope that by reading this, they can be inspired to be brave, step outside of their comfort zones, and pursue something that they'd really love to do as you have.
You're an exceptional woman.
I looked for your email address but your profile doesn't list it. Your comment made my day. THANK YOU!!!
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