Back-to-school thoughts on sorority life

With Labor Day come and gone, school is officially back in session. For many, it is the beginning of a new freedom from parental control, and a glimpse of reality. For me it is the end of an adventure, just memories collecting dust.

I walked along Friendship Walk Tuesday afternoon. I even attended the pep rally. It was my first. Did you know that we have two-time national champion all-girl cheerleading squad? Or that we have a co-ed cheer team?

The walkway closest to the university bookstore was filled with fraternity letters and guys gathering around to hear about the Greek Life on campus. Girls in bright blue shirts with GO GREEK in white lettering swarmed the campus passing out fliers and providing information for the upcoming rush week.

The chaos of the Week of Welcome reminded me of my freshmen year. I was the new kid on campus, 500 miles away from home, and I didn't have a single friend. Girls in the dorms flocked to the sorority recruitment table. I had mixed feelings. I had an idea of what sorority girls were like: pretty, snobbish and party animals. A few girlfriends convinced me to rush. I did and loved every minute of it.

I was in the sorority for over three years. I helped with recruitment, ran for different positions, met the fraternity guys and had more fun than I can remember. I am an only child, so sharing a room with someone was a discomfort. I lived in the sorority house for two years.

During those years, I learned to live with other people, share all that I had, not to get upset over the little things: clothes missing, food eaten, loud noise after hours. I learned that people aren't always perfect. People make mistakes, they can hurt you and you can hurt someone else. But the ultimate thing I learned was how to live.

I was like a wolf living in the wild, hungry for adventure. Those days are over.

As each year went by, my hunger for adventure changed. I became more focused on graduating and moving on to the next chapter in my life; a career. I worked part-time, volunteered with youth and at church and tried to spend time with my boyfriend and family. But I don't regret any of it.

Being a member of a sorority made me who I am today. It showed me that family and friends are extremely important to me. It showed me that life is short and you have to live it without any regrets. Sure, I made dumb mistakes, and did some stupid things that I wish to forget, but I lived life and had FUN.

As I embark on this last semester at Long Beach State, I leave with some words of wisdom. If you feel like joining an organization whether it is the Greek Life or an athletic team on campus, don't hesitate. Be proud of your school and support as many organizations as you can. Going to that pep rally showed me how much pride our athletics department has for this university. They are proud to wear black and yellow. Go to a volleyball or basketball game and support your school. Don't leave with any regrets. Life is an adventure waiting to be explored.

In the words of President Maxson, Go BEACH!

Nicole Lavaud is a graduating senior at CSULB.