Real life, real friends
It seems appropriate that as I am transitioning back into real life, I am also transitioning this blog away from a travel blog. I never intended for this to be a travel blog, but man, do I wish it could be. I would love to have the kind of life where I traveled so often I had ample information to offer up in a blog. But, school calls, real life calls. (Though this does make me really think hard about my future career options…)
Real life meant taking one more class after returning home from Spain but before the regular semester started. Real life meant catching up with the friends I missed while I was gone. Real life meant spending a week at the sorority to help with my final year of recruitment (aka Rush). Real life meant attending my first ever FAC with none other than my mom. Real life meant googling FAC on the way to meet her at the rooftop bar that Friday afternoon so I didn’t look too dumb not knowing what she kept referring to.
Sorority life is something that’s taught me a lot in college. I’d absolutely recommend those interested to talk to other Greeks, to attend open houses and to go through recruitment. I am always available to answer questions to anyone interested, even parents. Greek life has a lot of bad press sometimes, and I’ve seen my fair share of it, but when it really comes down to it, college would not have been the same without it. A university of 25,000 people becomes so much smaller once you realize Greek life is a family in itself. You meet people so easily and then you see them on campus and in classes and you have this instant connection. Even though I am from Lincoln and didn’t need Greek life for the friendships quite as much as others who were coming to a new city, the friendships are what made it all worth it. Freshman year I met a girl who has meant the world to me, and we’d have never met otherwise. That friendship also opened me up to new experiences, like county fairs with rodeos and pig wrestling. Laugh all you want, I had a blast that weekend and it meant a lot that she shared her hometown with me. I’ve made friends that I’ve gone on ski trips with and shared an apartment with. I have a strong family in my sorority and I’m proud of each of them, from my great grandbig, who was our Chapter President my freshman year, to my grandbig who I have so much in common with – other than the fact she’s the next America’s Top Model and my big who has had my back every step of the way. Now I am watching my family grow the other way with my little and her littles! The countless t-shirts, the formals, the philanthropic events, the beautiful house we get to live in; all of it – PRICELESS. There was stress and drama, but as this chapter of my life is about to close and I reflect on the experiences and what I’ve gotten out of this part of my life, I finally understand the statement, “it’s not four years, it’s for life.”
I missed my friends so much I’ve tried to soak up every second possible with them. My best friend and I took a spontaneous trip to Kansas City last year, so this year venturing to the Ozarks together seemed like a good idea. And hecks yes it was! We drove down one afternoon, checked into a rando hotel, took a water taxi the next morning to Coconuts and hung out at a lake side pool bar all day. We met some people who invited us on their rented boat the next day. We took the plunge and went with them and had a freaking blast! Top ten day, truly. My instagram post says it best, “If we could redo this day everyday for a week that still wouldn’t be enough.” If you ever get the chance to take a spontaneous trip with your best friend, do it. Just freaking do it. We’re definitely already planning our next, “spontaneous” trip. Planning is involved because I think this next one might be just a bit bigger… 🙂
Xi love,
Tristen
