I’m going to start by saying that I am that person that hates saying goodbyes. I Facebook friend about 90% of the people that I meet because letting go of people has never been something that I am good at. I sometimes get emotionally attached to my waiter at restaurants. But even for all of the goodbyes that I had to say at my high school graduation or after leaving a job or after moving across the state, I know for fact that this right now is the hardest goodbye that I have ever had to say in my life. I know that I will only be 20 minutes away in Spokane and that I can come see you guys whenever, but I also know that from this moment on life will be just a little bit different.

Two years ago, I joined this chapter because I wanted friends. I had just went through one of the hardest experiences of my life and I felt very alone. All through recruitment they told us to trust the process and that we would find a house that we wanted and that wanted us as well. That was a scary concept for me because never in my life have I felt like I’m anyone’s first choice. But on bid day, I got that magic card that said Alpha Xi Delta wanted me. Alpha Xi Delta chose me. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was going to be okay.

Over the past two years, Alpha Xi Delta has become more than just an organization to me. It has become a group of people that I can call home. It has become a place where I don’t have to be scared to be myself. It has not only given me amazing opportunities but it has also taught me to take chances and to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I am no longer the same person I was when I first joined the chapter, but I think I have changed for the better. I think in a way that that is what Alpha Xi Delta is about. It’s about letting the chapter and our sisters help you to grow and change into the person you are destined to become.

I guess I just want to end with, now that I’m here, I know that joining Alpha Xi Delta was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It pushed me to become someone who is more understanding, more genuine, more willing to try new things, and more willing to open up to others. It has also given me more than I would have thought possible. It has given me every single one of you. It has given me every laugh, every smile, every hug, and every memory. It has given me women that I will have in my life long after college is over. It has given me a love in my heart that I didn’t know I needed.

So don’t be like me. Don’t wait until the end of your days as an active member to appreciate what an amazing thing it is to have 100 sisters that would do anything for you. Try not to complain so much about everything like I did. Hang out with a sister you don’t talk with very much. Invite people over to your movie night that you maybe wouldn’t normally invite. Do your absolute best to make everyone feel like home isn’t just a place, but also a group of people.

So thank you. Thank you to everyone. Thank you for giving me a place to call home these last two years. As hard as it is to say goodbye for now, just know that I am off pursuing my dream. And know that I don’t think I could have gotten there without every single one of you loving me and supporting me. I love you all so much.

Yours always,

Mariah