Today is Alpha Delta Pi's 162nd Founders' Day, an international celebration of sisterhood for over 230,000 alumnae & collegians this year. Since 2006, I have been included in this celebration.
To attempt to put into words the experience of membership in Alpha Delta Pi typically seems impossible to me. I joke with people sometimes that sorority membership made me a better dresser, a better conversationalist, a better party planner. And honestly, it did all of those things. Because ultimately, what Alpha Delta Pi gave me (and continues to, every single day) is courage.
The courage to try new things - whether that be with my shirt/pants/necklace combo, my exercise regimen, or joining new professional & interest based organizations.
The courage to build relationships - with a young patient at the Ronald McDonald House, a cashier at my local grocery store, or a 20-something male sitting next to me at a bar.
The courage to dream - about Ryan Gosling congratulating me at the end of my Disney marathon, about one day leading a college classroom of my own, or about a future where girls & women world-wide are provided the education they deserve (shameless plug for Circle of Sisterhood).
The courage to lead - in my area ADPi Alumnae Association, in the higher education world of cutting-edge research and assessment, or in organizing a bachelorette party for a fellow sister.
What Alpha Delta Pi gave me was the courage to believe in myself. To invest in myself.
162 years is a long time. I can't wait to see what legacy we create for those to come.
<3
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