Instead of doing everything I must do tonight, I have decided to procrastinate for a little bit.
There is one quote that perfectly explains my last eight weeks here in San Diego State: "The best things in life appear when you least expect them."
Alpha Phi Omega - this stressful, time-consuming, national service fraternity is the best thing that has happened to me in college. I have had my ups and downs, but it has provided me a family away from my home. Every time I fall, someone picks me up. Every time I fail, someone encourages me to do better. My pledge brothers expect the best from me and motivate me to give beyond my limits. I have been forced to learn my strengths and weaknesses, and use them to grow as an individual.
Initially, all I expected was to get through the pledging process, do a couple services, attend long night general body meetings, and that's it. I stayed because my nursing friends stayed. However, now that we're TWO DAYS away from crossing, it's hit me. I cannot imagine my first semester in college without APO. Sure, I could have had more time to study. Yes, maybe I could have spent more time with my suite-mates. And, yes, okay, maybe I could have been more involved with other organizations. However, the time I have put into APO and getting to know everyone in APO has been worth every single thing I could have done.
I cannot imagine my life right now without the 37 pledge brothers, the pledge committee, and pledge moms that I have. I don't know who would have picked me up when I was at my lowest low, who could have given me multiple hugs when I needed it the most, who could have laughed with me at my highest point and who could have been my own personal models for a weekend. The Omicron pledge class has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. ❤️ // i can just imagine them yelling "SIMP" right now.
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| Fall Fellowship '15 - some of Omicron Pledge Class |
Along with my pledge class, I have been given a family (s/o Omega). I have been given a Big (❤️❤️❤️), a G, and a G2 that I love oh-so-very much. Even though I don't see them a lot due to all of our busy schedules (and the fact that my G2 is an alumni), I could not be any happier whenever I see or talk to them. I brag about how awesome my line is all the time. My Big is AH-MAZING, my G is madame president of the fraternity and my G2 is the best dork anyone could ever get Denny's with. My line is the reason I want to get involved as an active next semester.
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| BAMF Line |
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| my fave from UCSD Rho Pi |
I don't really know what else to say about this fraternity other than thank you. Even though I'll be spending endless hours editing a video for the banquet on Friday, I know it's all worth it because I'll be able to see your beautiful faces even when I'm not with you. You have all provided me with brotherhood I did not expect from joining in the beginning. I could not have loved, laughed, cried and danced more without you all.
Now that the pledging process is over, my focus is 20000% back to academics. However, I know that I'll be that one stubborn child who will give my best to stay involved (and maybe even be on board someday??) despite the stress of being a nursing major. It's okay to be a little insane if you're doing it for the right people. ❤️
I just need to survive tonight and live through tomorrow and Friday. Then I'll be heading home for Thanksgiving break. Although I won't be able to see my mother who is currently abroad, I cannot wait to see the rest of my family and friends in Orange County. No matter how awesome San Diego may be, there is still no place like home.
I am thankful for ALL of you.
Much sun (although it's been cold lately),
Annika. :)
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