Class 4

Prompt:
What are your secret thoughts of ritual?

Sorry - I know this is late. I completely spaced out. I don't sleep enough. That's why I win colorful crowns. But here are my original thoughts on ritual, as uninfluenced by today's class as possible, so that you can see what I would have posted before class, had I been in my right mind.


Anyways, my secret thoughts of ritual really aren't that secret. As I said in the beginning of class today, I think people take the meaning of ritual a bit too literally. Normally, I think the word ritual brings to mind something along the lines of hell, fire, and brimstone. Something deep and dark that no one else can know about. Their personal new member process is the first ritual most people learn, and then once they cross over into brotherhood or sisterhood, everything they learn from then on becomes their definition of ritual. All the secrets are just compiled into one big file in their brain, and then they slap a big sticker on it and declare, "This file is full of ritual! Sisters/Brothers only!"



But I define ritual different. Yes, it is partially those "secret" things that make each sorority and fraternity different from one another (or in all actuality, perhaps makes us quite similar), but I believe it is also what we do and how we live out our values. I think a ritual is not something that is done yearly/quarterly/weekly, but is something that is done daily. It should be how we each personally develop the idea of what makes us a valuable member of our chapter. What you do to uphold your values, the standards you hold yourself to, I think those also make up part of the sorority and fraternity ritual. The "secret" processes are teaching you the basic overall ritual that helps develop a more personal ritual within each individual.

And maybe that's the "R" versus "r" topic that I am not quite clear on, but I think ritual is so much more than just things you can't tell other people. It is how your chapter chooses their activities and actions that uphold the values they believe in. Yes, ritual is our initiation, our rites, our secret pledges of faith, but it is how we live out those pledges that truly define what ritual means.

I know this is short, but I feel like I've said all I have to say. Ritual is not a dark cloak, dim lighting, and candles; it is personal choice and sacrifice for the sake up upholding a chapter's values.

Support

Between 23 credit hours of actual class time, school work and studying to do outside of class, stuff for KPL (and more stuff for KPL, and more stuff for KPL, and more stuff for KPL... you get the picture), and work, I feel like I have little time to do much else. When I do have a few seconds to myself, there is always some Asian organization (since that is the community my sorority runs in) that has an event we need to support. On top of that, MCGC organizations want us to show our faces for them, and show that we care. And trust me - we do - but how can we find time for everyone else when we barely have time for ourselves? I go to bed around 4AM or 5AM nearly every night, weekends included, and I don't go out and party. Yeah right, like I have time for fun. I don't even have time to respond to urgent emails, or fill out applications for other things that I would like to do... if only I could find a way to do them.

Okay, being in KPL is fun, but it demands constant attention.



So how do I stop myself from feeling guilty when someone else from our council has an event, yet none of our sisters can show up? Everyone has conflicts/prior obligations/homework to do. How can I squeeze more time out of a schedule that has no time left to give? This isn't about time management anymore. This is about being busy 25/8 on a calendar that only provides 24/7.



Do you guilt trip like I do when you can't show support for good organizations that you are supporting in your head? It's my physical presence that becomes a problem. If only I could be everywhere at once... I hate disappointing people, and I WANT to support them, but how can I do it when I have such a full plate already?

Class 3

Prompt:
What happened today?

In last week's class, we all went on a little adventure. We were released from the classroom to wreck havoc on the world! Kidding. Kind of. I'm sure some people were quite confused as to why we were doing this for a leadership class. Some people seemed a little put out, honestly. They had NO idea what was going on, even after we tried to unsuccessfully explain it to them.

First off, I was really sketchy about this whole project when Tyler started introducing it. "Whaaat? Learning outside the classroom? This is NOT what I'm used to." I guess I should have expected something of this sort sooner or later. We're all about pushing the boundaries of conformity in this class. Who says we need to stay in our seats to learn?

So Daniel, Laura, and I slowly exited the room, doubt in our hearts. Tyler said we could split up but with only three people... it seemed a little ridiculous. I personally had no idea where to start. I didn't even know where the Greek houses were... I think I said something about Iuka, and Daniel gave me a weird look and suggested 15th instead. Obviously I don't get out enough.



Once we were on 15th. We just started blindly walking. None of us have a house for our respective fraternity/sorority, so for me I know it was a bit menacing to have to run around knocking on the giant doors full of people I didn't know. Plus, some houses had already been visited by other councils already, so they were tired of being harassed. At one point, Daniel split off so we could get more accomplished, but his phone was dead, forcing Laura and I to frantically search up and down 15th trying to figure out where he went before we were late getting back to class. "Where did he GO? Agghhh!"




In the end, we got interviews from 3 IFC brothers in the houses, 3 PHA sisters in their houses, and called 3 of our fellow MCGCers. Laura knew 2 girls from NPHC, but only called one because she didn't want to harass her other friend. In the end, we had 10/12 possible interviews. We were pretty proud of that; it's more than I personally expected.

*

So back to the question, but on a more analytical level: What happened today?

Besides wandering around and talking to strangers (okay, Daniel and Laura knew a few people, I was the clueless one of the group), I personally think our council got a chance to really come together and work as a team. Obviously there were bad ideas ("Iuka???") and good ones ("No.... 15th."), but we were able to get the job done. We walked together, chatted together, laughed together, creeped on total strangers together; it was truly a bonding experience.



Moreso than that, I was introduced to the "traditional" side of greek life. Giant homes, lots of people, house Moms. Inside one of the sororities we visited (where we were very graciously allowed inside - thank you!), there seemed to be a constant peal of laughter coming from somewhere. They all looked like they were having a great time. The house Mom - which is something I'd only heard about before - was very nice and politely asked, "What on Earth is going on?!" as she sorted shoes by the door. It seemed like a great experience to be in one of the PHA sororities, surrounded by friendship 24/7. It was my personal first foray into that world, and I can't say I saw any of the perpetuated stereotypes in those girls. They were all sweethearts, and it was nice to experience that side of greek life. One girl even went so far as to suggest some of her friends we could call for more interviews- trying to help out complete strangers!

Ultimately, I think this helped introduce me to the other councils. I didn't get as deep of a look into the IFC council since Daniel got a few of those interviews while he left for his own mini-adventure, and the one person I accosted, we stood outside the house, but I'm sure the experience would have been just as pleasant. It was also hard to find NPHC members to talk to since we didn't know where to find them except by phone. But in the end I think even this little bit helps. If I'm going to work together with all 4 councils for the rest of this year, I want to know more about how they function and what makes them work so well, and it was a good opportunity to start that learning process.

I also noticed something... So many of our sororities and fraternities have such SIMILAR values. It was something I knew in theory before, but had never actually been proven to me. I feel like almost everyone mentioned something about academics, service, and sisterhood or brotherhood. It was great to see our similarities, while knowing we still have our differences.

So, even though I questioned your judgment at first, thanks to Tyler and Maggie. I actually did have a good time learning about other fraternities and sororities from strangers.

Post Secret

I went to the Post Secret event hosted by OUAB at Hitchcock the other day. The author of the books and idea, Frank Warren, came to talk to us about his original inspiration for the idea, and what has become of it in the last 5 years that it has existed.

It originally started out as a small project that he was going to do. Only 400 cards. He walked around the city and passed them out to strangers. It was an art exhibit. Then a website. Then a music video for "Dirty Little Secret." Then books. Today, he has received over 400,000 confessionals.

He says people send in their postcards for a sense of relief, for a way to get something off their shoulders, for an outlet in which they can admit something that they're too afraid to tell other people. PostSecret has become something of a safe haven for people across the country. After receiving emails about how seeing their secret, or the secrets of others that share their secret they were too afraid to send in, changed their lives, Frank realized this project was so much more than a cooperative art exhibit. It was a release. It saved some from suicide, made others realize they weren't alone, helped people through hard times.

Just one little idea, and it has impacted the country in such a great way.

My roommate bought the newest book. I really enjoyed this secret in particular. So I illegally scanned it onto my computer and am posting it for you now.

The writing reads:

"I found this inside a magazine on an airplane. As soon as I arrived home, I took the ring I've had in my pocket for two years out and proposed to my girlfriend in the middle of the airport.
SHE SAID YES."

The slip of paper reads:

"This is your moment.
The right time is NOW!"

And it's so true.
Take action now, because it's now or never. No second chances. No regret.

*

I leave you with a quote. Because I love quotes. And I read them whenever I am thinking about, well, pretty much anything. It's nice to know you aren't alone in your thoughts. My own little haven that encompasses all of histories greatest thinkers, instead of 400,000+ postcards.

“Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one's ideas, to take a calculated risk - and to act.”
- Andre Malraux

Get Inspired

I'm no avid YouTube stalker. Really, though. I'm not. Once in a while I just surf around YouTube and happen across really fantastic videos. I did that a couple months ago, and I want to share them with you. They are so inspiring. They really want to make you change. At least, they did for me. The first one literally almost made me start crying. But you're probably not as emotional as I am. Lucky you... Anyways, here they are. Let me know what you think.

Video 1, completed in 2006.

3:35 - We're All In This Together

The things these people write... these are things we need to think about. We need to change ourselves to be the best we can be before we can even think about changing the rest of the world. We have to inspire ourselves before we can inspire others. It starts inside.

Video 2, completed in 2009.

3:10 - Live to Inspire

The world is something that WE can make a difference in. Something that we can help change. We can inspire others to do good and live up to their full potential. All we have to do is try, right?

If you want to see MadV's YouTube channel, click here. He has a few other interesting videos.

If you could tell the whole world - the ENTIRE world - one thing...
What would you say?

Class 2

Prompt:
"What are your values and how do they define you? Where do they fit in terms of your council’s values? In terms of the community’s values?"

I value friendship.
The people I meet are everything for me. Personally, I think there is no purpose in life if you can't even enjoy the company of friends. I'm a really social and outgoing person, so sometimes even an hour of alone time drives me crazy. My friends keep me centered and healthy. No matter how I met them, where I met them, where they're from, what they value, how few times a year they can see me, my friends are what keep me rooted here at OSU and across state borders. Without them, I don't know where I'd be. Probably in some dark little corner, curled up in a ball, going crazy...

I value God.

I'm not much of a church-going person, honestly. I love going to church when I can, but I often can't get myself out of bed that early in the morning after working until 5AM. But nonetheless, I read the Bible and I hold moral standards for myself that I think fit God's plan for me and my own plans for myself. The parts of God I value are the lessons taught within the stories - acceptance, forgiveness, personal sacrifice. Within that, I am accepting of people of all religious backgrounds. I think He taught us to love people for who they are, not for who we want them to be, and because of that I feel no right to judge someone whose life is different than my own. I try to live with a good image of myself. Holding standards and values make me proud of who I am, and I think I owe a lot of my decisions to the question, "Am I going to be proud of this tomorrow? Would God be proud of me if he were standing next to me right now?"

I value ALL life.
Like I have already partially said, I think each person deserves to be their own being. I feel no right to judge them based on their past actions or current motives. A life is something precious, something to be valued by everyone, not just the being with the life itself. I find it hard to dislike someone when I try to put myself in their shoes. You never know where someone comes from, what their situation is, what actions led up to their life today. Because of my personal value for each and every life, I think I am generally a more accepting person than most. I am not quick to judge; I always try to see the other side, and the other side of the other side before I make a decision; I try to give everyone a second, third, fourth chance. I think everyone deserves as many chances as it takes, because they are a human just as I am, and if I were in their place, I know I would want the opportunity to prove myself.

I value service.
Giving to others in need is an important part of my life. If there is something I can do to help anyone, no matter if they are less or more fortunate than me, I will try to do my best to put myself out there. I would say that sometimes I definitely sacrifice my own temporary happiness to help others, but my long-term happiness is always heightened immensely because of it. It makes me feel like I have fulfilled my purpose to help other people reach their goals. How can I ever ask people for help, if I am not equally willing to give help in return? Service is an important part of my life in daily actions with friends, and in general community service with people I don't know as well or are perhaps perfect strangers.

*

For my council, I think my values are aligned when it comes to cooperation with others and understanding. Being a part of MCGC, it is important to appreciate people of different backgrounds and ethnicities, since that is what we stand for. Some people celebrate different holidays, take different morals seriously, live their life in completely different ways than my own. But overall, I think that's what MCGC is here to help teach. Acceptance. Of all people. No matter what. Friendship can be bred from anywhere, anyplace, at any time, and I think the first step is learning about one another and taking the good with the bad. Sometimes people don't even actually fit into their cultural stereotype, and I think that is even more important to note. Breaking the stereotypes and providing acceptance for everyone are important features of what I think MCGC brings to the table. Culture is an important aspect of many people's lives, and even if you personally didn't grow up with a specific celebrated culture (such as myself - a cultureless fiend), it is interesting and important to learn about the cultures of others. It can define a person's whole lifestyle, and MCGC really makes you aware of how necessary it is to take others for what they are, and not what you expect them to be.

*

Within the community, awareness of the differences of others can never be a bad thing. I don't think that the goals we set within our council based on our values should be any different than the goals we set within our community. Everyone needs awareness. Everyone needs acceptance. Everyone needs to know that they can be who they are and that is just fine. Be who you are, not what others expect you to be.

Dreams can become reality.

This is kind of full of broken thoughts. I can't seem to keep my mind focused long enough to stay on one thought before I'm jumping off to the next one. Sorry if this post is a bit scattered and disjointed. If nothing else, listen to the song I posted at the bottom... I like it. ;)

I woke up Monday morning at 7:30am, ready to volunteer in memory of the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr. Unfortunately, my sorority wasn't able to because we got there too late and we were turned away, but I'm glad that the opportunity exists and that enough people are willing to come together to serve there community so that things like this CAN fill up. Isn't it kind of a great feeling to know that so many people are willing to wake up early on a day off in order to help others? Makes you feel a bit warmer on these blustery mornings.

But who is Martin Luther King Jr. anyway?

Everyone knows the famous line, "I have a dream..." and maybe they know a little more, "that one day..." but other than that? A word here, a word there, "that all men are created equal" thrown somewhere in the middle, something to do with freedom and equality... Have you ever heard the entire speech? Or even simply read the words he so powerfully spoke. I'm going to guess that most of us haven't. If you're interested, here is a good link to a page that accurately transcribed the entire speech. I suggest you read it. It gives a little background on his life, as well.

• Did you know that he starts off his speech referring to Abraham Lincoln and even saying, "Five score years ago," an imitation of Lincoln's own speech?
• Did you know that he compares the injustices of the African American community to a bounced check?
• Did you know that he has multiple dreams, not just one for his children?
• Did you know he quotes the psuedo-national anthem, "My County 'Tis of Thee"?

"Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood."

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."

"There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?"... we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!""

His speech was given in 1963. 47 years later... has his dream fully come true? Have we have reached our full potential? Imagine that if one man could motivate so many to follow his lead, what a group our size could do if we found a cause to fight for and really put all of our efforts into it. Think of the possibilities... all our dreams could come true. But I don't know if I have something worth fighting for. Maybe I should think of something. Do you have something you think is worth fighting for?

I used to be somewhat obsessed with this song. I don't know why. I'd play it on repeat over and over again... Maybe you've heard it before? Maybe not. You might not like it... but I thought I'd share. It grows on you. And our star performer of the weekend, MLK Jr., makes a special guest appearance.