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It all started the first night of rush. I have always been shy when I first meet people (but once you know me, watch out!).
The first night was the first time I had been faced with having to meet a group of people in a closed environment. I had to balance panic, enthusiasm, sincerity and the desire to just yammer on and on. During a very specific moment that I remember, a light bulb went off in my head - I figured out how to get through such a social tightrope. Over the following nights, my confidence improved, and I was sincerely comfortable in an unknown situation (outside of auditions) for the first time. I still consider that evening a turning point in how I present myself, learned how to listen, and ultimately declared it a successful experience.
As an adult in my 30s, I have been faced with several life changes. During this year's Founders Day ceremony, I learned/realized some interesting things about two of our founders, who both changed careers in their 30s. If 100+ years ago, these young women were brave enough to trust themselves and start new paths for themselves, how could I let myself back down out of fear? It seemed only natural to blaze a new trail in my life.
So at 18 and again at 30 something, I have been inspired by Alpha Xi Delta to realize my potential. I think that it's so easy to forget why our founders formed our organizations, because we think that the challenges they faced aren't recognizable in today's society. But I realized that I am more like our founders than I ever could have realized. And that is an example of living the ritual daily.
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