30 X 30 - "Born on a ranch..."

(Following a friend's example, in honor of my 30th birthday I have decided to post 30 things I have accomplished in my life in 30 years.  So for the remaining 26 days leading up to my birthday watch for a new post each day celebrating these 30 things.)

It's funny sometimes to see how people react when I share this part of my life, somehow I didn't fit the part I suppose? But in my 30 years, I met some of the most amazing women and learned most about who I wanted to be (and who I didn't want to be) by joining a sorority.  I know one of the stereotypes of sorority girls is that we are all "drones" who are exactly like one another, but that is the farthest thing from the truth.  Joining Kappa gave me the opportunity to be involved in a variety of experiences that helped me to gain the confidence I needed to be who I am, who I was supposed to be.  I met women who were unsure of themselves as well, but who brought out the best in me, and who I hope I helped to bring out the best from them.  Being in a sorority taught me about the value of a truly great friendship, what I value in life, teamwork, basic budgeting (can we say T-shirt fund?), pride in an honest effort, the great need for snacks during studying for finals, my own identity, the benefit of a glass of wine overlooking a bluff-top when you've had a rough semester, ways to treat one another with respect even if I don't respect the way you are treating me, the way to share a refrigerator/shower/bathroom/closet/room, my faith in God, and that a homemade meal can always bring a family together.

I'm sure my experience in Kappa was drastically different than many, but I know that no matter how I stumbled up those back steps, somehow by the grace of God I walked confidently out the front door just four years later.