For my last "What I've Learned" blog
of the semester, I tried to think of what was most memorable this semester. As
should be expected, the most significant things I've learned have been outside
of the classroom. Don't get me wrong; I've actually truly enjoyed my classes
this semester. I've finally been able to get into my major and those classes
have been crazy interesting. When I recap this semester, though, the most important
things I've learned can be encompassed under "how to live with 40 girls in
one house." Yes, I realize this may sound a little anti-climatic and
silly, but living in my sorority house has not only thought me a lot about
others, but also myself. For example…
Being a Psychology major, I consider myself to
be pretty in tune with the emotions of people around me. A major part of the
career I'm pursuing consists of being able to read peoples' current state and
adjust how I respond to them based on that reading. Not surprisingly, I've been
exposed to a wealth of emotions and crises while living in the house. While I
thought I could read people well before, I have become exponentially better at
this skill over these last few months. Facial expressions can tell you so much
about a persons' day, and all too often people's words don't match what their
body language is telling you. So much of being a good friend, in my opinion, is
taking the time to look past what people say and really challenge yourself to
be intentional with your actions where your friendships are concerned. Most of
the time, it is way too easy to just content yourself with the easy answer,
"I'm fine" and never question further. That, however, inhibits your
friendships to the bare minimum. I'm not saying I'm the best friend ever by any
stretch of the imagination, but living with 40 girls for three months has
definitely made me a better and more intentional friend. I think that's one of
the best things to learn in life and a skill you should never stop working
on.
On a different note, living with that many of
your close friends also tests your patience- not just sometimes, but all the
time. Again, this is going to sound overdone, but living in the house has made
me more selfless. There is not a moment of peace in that house. Borrowing is
really the only constant in that building- emotions, feelings, and
stress-levels are ever changing. There is not a time were someone doesn't need
something from someone else. Although this may sound annoying (sometimes it
is), it has made me stop and realize how many favors I ask of others and
reconsider how I respond when others ask something of me. After this semester,
I am much more patient with others making noise when I'm trying to study or
lending out half of my possessions to a million different people or even doing
little favors for others. I have never considered myself a patient person, so I
am really thankful for that lesson I learned this year.
I could go on and on about
the hundred of little things living in the house taught me. I mean, let's be
honest, living in a house full of 20-year-old women is not the easiest task.
But that's exactly why it's been so good for me. Of all the things I've learned
in the classroom this semester, none of them would be anything if I didn't have
people I loved around me. All of the goofy and strange things that have
happened this semester have made me a better person and friend, and for that I
am eternally grateful.
Grace,
ReplyDeleteI agree that while I've learned a lot of educational lessons this semester, I have learned a lot of these same social and personal lessons as well. I don't live in a sorority house with 40 girls, but the transition from life at home to a dorm constantly surrounded by people has made me deal with the same things. I have learned so much about being intentional and caring in conversation by actually meaning "how are you?" rather than just using it at the end of a greeting. This is a very unique time in our lives and while the thought of a quiet home, big bed, and alone time often sounds nice, living in such close proximity to people, surrounded by friends and people I love, is a great time to grow in patience, awareness, and selflessness which I think I have become more aware of as well. Glad you've realized all of this too!
Grace,
ReplyDeleteI honestly can't imagine living in that kind of situation! This year, I live with three of my fraternity brothers in the Tom Brown/Pete Wright apartment complex, and there are times when they definitely get on my nerves. However, I can't imagine it being multiplied by ten, and having them all be girls (no offense). I will say that living with people in such close quarters definitely brings one another together, as you have surely seen. With my roommates, we are essentially like brothers. Even though there are times when we all give each other a hard time or disagree on matters, we are still best friends at the end of the day and nothing can stop that. I hope that you learn even more by living in the house next semester, and look back on things with a positive note.
I have friends at other schools who have had much different "learning experiences" with their sorority houses. For instance, at Miami University of Ohio, my cousin's sorority has a bunk room where it is always dark and every girl sleeps at night. Then, the rest of the house is well-decorated and bright for hanging out and studying, and apparently she loves it. Personally, I don't think I could handle this living situation, but I guess some people can!