Dear PC ‘20,
Wow. I am speechless when thinking about how much of an honor it has been to be able to walk with all of you guys through the past six weeks. I took on this role thinking it would be my pleasure to educate you all on all things Chi O and freshman year. However, y’all have been the ones to really remind me of how special Chi O and Samford is. Through our conversations, meetings, and ben brown hangs, I have gotten to be reminded of how lucky I am to be apart of something so special like Chi O and to attend a university as amazing as Samford.
I want to remind y’all of two things that I wish I remembered more freshman year. First of all, it is totally okay to not have your friends yet. It may seem like everyone has their friend group and the friend groups around you may be so strong, but trust me I promise you are not alone. It takes time to find the girls who you want walking alongside you all through college, they don’t come overnight, and they often won't come in the first semester. It’s coming, be patient with the Lord as He leads you to the people He has for you.
Second, I want you to know there is not just one way to do college. It’s totally okay if you don’t fit the cookie cutter college experience. It’s totally okay if you change your major, it’s totally okay if you don’t find your future husband, it’s totally okay if your experience looks different than your roommate’s. Hang in there, it gets easier, it gets better day by day! College is a journey that will press and pull you in so many unexpected ways, but it’s breathtaking to look back and see the way you’ll grow and flourish into all what our Father has for you over these next four years. Soak up every moment, it flies by!
I can’t believe I am a junior now, but you guys have definitely allowed me to feel like a freshman again this semester and I’ve loved every minute of it. I have loved every conversation, every meet up and hang out. You guys exceeded my expectations and have been my favorite part about junior year already. My favorite part about this job was getting to know the hearts of you girls and knowing that Chi O got the BEST pledge class this year despite the hard circumstances of virtual recruitment. This position has allowed me to be all in with Chi O and I appreciate it more than ever. I encourage you all to do the same! Be all in, go to all the events, try to live in the house, get to know the girls you haven’t met; you never know the blessings that can come from it!
My time leading y’all in new member meetings and making sure y’all know everything about chi o may be coming to an end, but being your Mama Hoot never will. I will always be here for you in whatever circumstances. Y’all mean so much more to me than “PC ‘20”. To me, y’all are beautiful, inspiring, life-giving, and passionate girls who are going to do so well not just in Chi O, not just at Samford, but in the world! I am getting emotional writing this, I will be obsessed with y’all forever. I’ll say it again, I’ll always be here whether it’s just a phone call away or just across campus! Never forget, the pain you’re feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming! Praying for you guys always.
Mama Hoot over & out, Jody <3
