Hi from across the pond! My name is Grace Davis, and I am sad to say that I am already a Junior. Time really flies when you’re having fun. And let me tell you, fun is the most important of words used to describe Chi Omega and this sisterhood that I, fortunately, am a part of forever. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Chi O is adventurous and silly and just downright real, and that is what I adore most about it.
I am currently residing in the heart of London this semester, and let me tell you, it has been INCREDIBLE. Before I ventured over, I prayed for a change that molded and shaped me, and I have received nothing short of that. I am seeing parts of the world that I have dreamed about visiting since I was a kid. 15-year-old Grace would be GEEKING. I especially adore my internship, an opportunity of a lifetime that I would have never gotten had I not decided to study abroad. London is slowly but sweetly becoming a second home, and the phrase “I can’t wait to tell my kids about this” best describes the thoughts of those here in the Daniel House.
While I’m having a blast over here (!!!!!!!), my first home will always be within the walls of the Chi Omega House. Yes, I realize that sounds so incredibly cheesy. Watching the Golden Bachelor on the chapter room TV, sharing closets with my best friends, and getting ready for functions together are core memories that I take with me wherever I go. I have learned a whole lot since being abroad, but if I could share one thing, it’s that home is where your people are, and thankfully, Chi Omega has brought me those people. The evening Facetime calls (9 pm my time and 3 pm their time) fill my cup with each conversation that I get. Getting to see a sister's sweet face, even just over the phone, means the world to me! “Tell me about your day” never grows old.
When I landed in London, I was so sure that my communication with my friends would be poor. Mostly because I suck at long-distance communication and because we would all be too busy to speak to each other. But what I discovered has been so unexpectedly opposite. I really didn’t think that I could treasure these friendships more than I already do, but distance has created in me a grateful heart. I’ve seen the world, but let me tell you, there is really no place like Homewood, Alabama, mainly because of the really awesome people it holds.
One really cool thing that has been just so fun about studying abroad is the fact that 6 out of the 19 of us are Chi O’s. Hootie Hoo to that. Getting to relate with each other on activities like bid day, crawfish, big/little, etc., has been a highlight. I not only have the honor of being their sister, but I also get to see the world with them. And there is no better way to bond with someone than that. (in my own opinion, of course!!!!!) Truly, I have never appreciated being a part of a sisterhood more than I do now. It is a bond that distance cannot undo. It’s a bond that started on Samford’s campus and continues to flourish even while I am away.
So yes, you might catch me using the phrase “take away” instead of “to go” or saying “sorry” instead of “excuse me” when I come back to the States, but my heart for this sisterhood has and will always remain deep. No amount of change or scenery or time difference can replace that.
