We all had that first moment - the one where someone first mentioned ADX to us, or we saw the chalked sidewalk, or saw a flyer on a door. In that one moment, we started a journey that would eventually lead us here, even if we did not know it at the time.
My journey has lasted three years. Sometimes I feel as if I was a pledge yesterday but then I look around and see all the new faces and I realize that can't possibly be so.
My first steps along my ADX journey were through a door with Danielle Knox. Danielle, to this day I can still remember most all of that first conversation with you in the corner of the ADX information meeting. I had been afraid of going to the meeting alone but you helped me feel at ease even though we were both nervous and excited about finding out what this sorority was. You made such an impression on me. I am so thankful that I share my first moments with ADX with you. When things look hopeless, I think of how God guided us together that night and realize that His plans are so much better than our own.
I rushed and became a pledge of ADX in a blur of steps. The night I found out I was to have a big sister, I was so excited that I called my mom as soon as I could. She reminded me that when I was little, I would pray for a big sister. Beth Lester, you are the answer to my prayer. I truly believe God destined us to be a part of each other's lives. You have been my guide, my support, and my confidant. You love purely and deeply. You are an inspiration to me. When we graduate on May 8th, we will only be a few spaces away from each other. I wish I could stand beside you as we take this next big step in our journey but I know I will forever be your little sister as you will always be my big. My life has been blessed because of you.
As pledges, then junior actives, then actives, we have seen it all. There have been many struggles but there have been victories as well. Anna - you exude kindness and strength. I have no doubt you have the willpower to conquer any problem before you. Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on, a laugh to erase all my worries, and a midnight driver to help fight Krispy Kreme donut cravings. Ashley - you taught me how to open up and let go. For that, I will be forever grateful. I love our shared love for the beach. I am even tempted to start buying some big floppy hats because of you.
For my ADX journey, the biggest step of all was in the Fall of 2008. My littles - Ashleigh Dodd and Brittany Ray - were the greatest gift I could ever receive. The summber before I became your big sister, I prayed for you both even though I did not know who you would yet be. I was so very excited and I knew God had a plan for us. Larryboy Superhero - you have given me so much joy these past two years. Your laughter and your confidence have built me up and I can see it has the same effect on others around you. Hold on to that gift. You are an amazing person and I am so proud to be your big sister. Madame Blueberry - you're smile is so very contagious. You bring happiness to every situation. I love spending time with you. You taught me to live in the moment and let go of my worries. I'm so glad you're my little sister.
Now it's tonight and my journey through college and ADX is at a close. I knew tonight would be coming but I never realized it would get here so fast. I graduate May 8th and start a job with the American Red Cross on May 11th. So take this as a warning - college DOES fly-by and before you know it, you're looking at the real world. A sister always helps, always trusts, and always loves. My journey through ADX has shown that over and over again. Hold on to your sisters and let them be your guide.
VOAD meeting
I woke up early and went to the EMA office today. As soon as I walked in, we were out the door to the VOAD meeting (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) at the Public Health Department across from Bowers Park. There were about 50 people in the meeting all representing organizations in Tuscaloosa that unite during disasters and provide basic needs to the community 24/7.
The chairman of VOAD is the executive director of the American Red Cross in Tuscaloosa. He made a special point to stop by and chat with me before and after the meeting. He seems like such a nice man and I look forward to working with him. During the meeting, he suprised me by talking about the Americorps VISTA program and saying how proud he was of their newest recruit. Then he introduced me and he had me stand up and say a little about myself. Everyone applauded and congratulated me. It was so sweet!
Now I'm back at the EMA office watching the severe weather that will be coming in this afternoon. I have class at 2 but will be back here afterwards.
It will be interesting to see what the rest of this day has coming. Hopefully nothing too stressful lies ahead but I'm okay with that if there is!
The chairman of VOAD is the executive director of the American Red Cross in Tuscaloosa. He made a special point to stop by and chat with me before and after the meeting. He seems like such a nice man and I look forward to working with him. During the meeting, he suprised me by talking about the Americorps VISTA program and saying how proud he was of their newest recruit. Then he introduced me and he had me stand up and say a little about myself. Everyone applauded and congratulated me. It was so sweet!
Now I'm back at the EMA office watching the severe weather that will be coming in this afternoon. I have class at 2 but will be back here afterwards.
It will be interesting to see what the rest of this day has coming. Hopefully nothing too stressful lies ahead but I'm okay with that if there is!
BIG DAY!!!
I posted earlier that I would find out tomorrow about whether or not I got the job with the Red Cross...BUT they called this afternoon and offered me the position! I said yes! I'm so excited!
Tomorrow I go back to the Red Cross office and fill out the paperwork to finalize the commitment. It's a one-year commitment to serve 40 hours a week in addition to teaching classes, recruiting and training volunteers, and working with the armed forces. It will be a lot of hard work but I'm definitely not going to shy away from this great opportunity!
The position begins May 11th, only three days after I graduate. I will be attending an Americorp Conference in Atlanta, GA (not finalized yet if that's where it is) where they will give me an introductory look at what I will be doing for the year. All expenses paid! :D That's just too cool. Then when I get back from Atlanta, I will be running a "gauntlet" of training classes that will last approximately 2 weeks. At the end of the two weeks, I'll be attending a course on how to be a trainer!
This opportunity fell in my lap just six days ago. Now my life is going in a direction I did not expect and I'm definitely okay with that! God knows what He's doing!
Tomorrow I go back to the Red Cross office and fill out the paperwork to finalize the commitment. It's a one-year commitment to serve 40 hours a week in addition to teaching classes, recruiting and training volunteers, and working with the armed forces. It will be a lot of hard work but I'm definitely not going to shy away from this great opportunity!
The position begins May 11th, only three days after I graduate. I will be attending an Americorp Conference in Atlanta, GA (not finalized yet if that's where it is) where they will give me an introductory look at what I will be doing for the year. All expenses paid! :D That's just too cool. Then when I get back from Atlanta, I will be running a "gauntlet" of training classes that will last approximately 2 weeks. At the end of the two weeks, I'll be attending a course on how to be a trainer!
This opportunity fell in my lap just six days ago. Now my life is going in a direction I did not expect and I'm definitely okay with that! God knows what He's doing!
Big Day!
Today I interviewed for the Americorps VISTA program with the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross. I think the interview went well but I won't be finding out until tomorrow if I am chosen or not. Let's hope so!
If I am, I'll be staying in Tuscaloosa for another year. At the end of the year, I'll have a chance to renew my commitment to VISTA or go on to other things. If I am not chosen, then it's on to graduate school at Jacksonville State as originally planned.
Isn't it strange how one decision can take your life in two opposite directions?
If I am, I'll be staying in Tuscaloosa for another year. At the end of the year, I'll have a chance to renew my commitment to VISTA or go on to other things. If I am not chosen, then it's on to graduate school at Jacksonville State as originally planned.
Isn't it strange how one decision can take your life in two opposite directions?
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