Saturday, February 26, 2011

Sisterhood Retreat 2011!

I am guessing that the title of this post is somewhat unfamilar to some people. Sisterhood in the form of a sorority is not something that everyone chooses to par take in. I wasn't even sure if being in a sorority was the right thing for me when I first joined. I knew that I needed a small group of people on campus because I am really shy and I wouldn't have been able to meet people on my own. Jumping into something like a sorority the first week in college is a lot to handle, but I came to college telling myself that I was going to take what life threw my way. I didn't realize that being in a sorority would be the best decision that I made coming into college.

That decision is reconfirmed everyday that I spend in Athens. I never thought that I would have a 150 girls yelling "Dang" every time I walk into a room or the confidence to get over my shyness. Being a part of a sorority and living in the house has made me realize that there are so many people in this world. I would never have come into contact with most of my sisters because (a) UGA is a huge place and (b) we all comes from different walks of life. All my sisters have shaped the way I deal with people and life in general. I feel blessed every day that I get to spend with each and everyone of my sisters.

Today, we had our sisterhood retreat and I learned so much more about why I love Delta Gamma! I was almost in tears at the end of the retreat because everyone takes something different from their experience with Delta Gamma yet we all wouldn't be the people that we are today without each other. My sisters are some of the most important people in my life and I can't do anything without them. I know that two years from now when I have to say good bye to this part of my life I am going to be in tears but I will have to look back on college and say that Delta Gamma made my four years worth it.

I always go back to the idea that I am living life one day at a time. Delta Gamma affects me every day and it is something I would never be able to live without and I love the fact that I am reminded on a daily basis how much Delta Gamma means to me.  Shout out:  PC 09 got that boom boom pow!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Dance Marathon 2011

"There's a little bit of insanity in dancing that does everyone a great deal of good"

It's that time of year again! It's that one day in which UGA students come together to give back for 24 straight hours. It's 24 hours filled with a morale dance, numerous performances, food and fun! That's right it's UGA Miracle's Dance Marathon.

I have been a part of Miracle for the last two years. Last year I was really involved and raised well over my goal for fundraising. When it came time for Dance Marathon, I was a little hesitant about how I was going to stay up all night, but the DGs made a great team and stuck it out. I will never forget the closing ceremonies in which the total fundraising amount was announced and we all got to cut off our hospital bracelets because we had given 24 hours of our busy lives to the kids! I was literally in tears and knew that those 24 hours had forever changed how I view the world.

This year, my life has changed a little bit. I am more involved with Delta Gamma, Habitat for Humanity and my school work. I also have a job that prevented me from attending the Team Member meetings for Miracle last semester. I have been out of touch with Miracle for the whole year, but I knew that I needed to show up at Dance Marathon to show my support. I got up this morning and treked on over to Tate. As soon as I walked in the door, every memory from last year came flooding back. Those 24 hours in which I heard from numerous children about how they beat their illnesses...continually hearing that they would not be alive if it weren't for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Children's Miracle Network. Throughout the past two years I have met numerous people who are Miracle children. This program has been going on for years and you never realize how many people it affects until you start talking to others.

I regret not being more involved with Miracle this year. I have been fortunate that no one in my family has had to use the services of Children's Healthcare but I have learned through Miracle that no one knows what tomorrow is going to bring. UGA's efforts are making a difference daily in the lives of children and I will be forever greatful that I had the opportunity see our efforts pay off. I wish that I didn't have to study for a test this afternoon or try to sleep off whatever sickness is dragging me down. I would love to be at the marathon dancing the night away with children who have gone through so much more than me in such a short period of time.

I can't say enough about the impact of 24 hours. Next year will be different. I will once again be at Dance Marathon for the whole 24 hours in order to show my support. I am thinking about all the people who are there now and praying that their experience is just as worthwhile as mine was last year!

No matter where my life leads me I will always remember the impact that UGA Miracle and Children's Miracle Network has on the UGA's campus and the rest of the world. I will always be FTK (For The Kids)!!! 

"Miracles happen to those who believe in them" 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Music

I wouldn't call myself a music expert. I don't compare the beats or rhythms of similar songs or try to teach myself how to play an instrument. I have always looked at music as something to do while in the car or something that wakes me up in the morning. I just never considered the impact that music has on everyone.

There are probably a lot of people who think I have horrible taste in music. My iTunes is filled with more than my fair share of country albums along with a number of other songs that are just taking up space on my computer. I could probably fit all the songs that I actually listen to on less than 10 CDs. Like I said, I am not a music aficionado.

What I have discovered about music this week is that it's an outlet that can perfectly match all the emotions that you are feeling at a particular time. Out of all my songs, I usually know before I turn on my computer what song will put me in just the right mood. If I am thinking about life in general, I turn to either one of my trusty country bands or some mellow rock. If my emotions are all up in the air then there is usually one song that I know and love. And if I just want to be on the beach not worrying about a thing, I usually turn to trusty old Zac Brown.

I love the fact that I can always thinks of lyrics to songs but I don't get into these moods too often. My day/week has to be pretty emotional for me to feel the need to listen to music on a regular basis. This week has been one of those weeks and all the listening I have done this week has made me realize how important music is. It has the power to change people's emotions in a moment and sometimes its just one of those things that's good for the soul!