Written by Arianna Hurst
Picture this: I’m walking behind big-bowed pledges who wander into the student center with a sheepish gait and come to find madness — people standing on tabletops roughly beat-boxing their pledge names. I see young men wearing borrowed sports jackets who look like they are preparing for a flood. Minutes later, I hear chirping voices — “Hello, Miss Arianna Hurst” — except for that one who completely butchers my name or mistakes me for someone else. Now, facing an awkward inductee, I muzzle my laugh; trying to maintain a “stern” grimace is a tough challenge, but nevertheless I l-o-v-e club week.Last year as a freshman, I didn’t care to be part of a club because my intent was to transfer schools ASAP. I had no enthusiasm or desire to join, but my mom and sister harped on me, so to stop the relentless nagging, I committed to Ju Go Ju since my sister was an active member and I thought I looked pretty good in purple.After several mixers and visitation, I started warming up to the idea of being identified as a Cutie Pie. I added about 80 girls to my Facebook list and surprisingly liked every one of them. I related to each of them in some fashion — either by faith, sports, interests or hobbies.Then there was club week, a week of bonding. I remember that week was completely horrid for me. My obsession with my beloved dog led to a humiliating pledge name pertaining to my King Charles Spaniel, Ruby. Think of me as the Paris Hilton type, toting her slightly overweight dog in a pint-sized Vera Bradley bag into the local Blockbuster or grocery store. Unfortunately, Ruby died that week, so let’s just say my new pledge name was reassigned to “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. Although I was an emotional wreck, my soon-to-be-new sisters comforted me. They were sensitive and were there to help me through the rest of the week.Ju Go Ju has also given me lifelong friendships; we are “friends, always friends.” I have found an intimate group of young women on whom I can rely; it is a sisterhood. These girls are trustworthy and genuine. I know I can go to them for anything and they will greet me with open arms.Let’s face it: Starting college can be intimidating and dreadful. You may have been Rico Suave in high school, but when you enter college you realize quickly you’re at the bottom of the totem pole. You may miss home and its familiar surroundings, but by getting involved and meeting new people who share the same interests you soon realize you found a new home.I feel like I’ve found my niche being in a club. I enjoy being identified with such a fine and respected group of people. I am proud to be identified and involved with a club. I think it’s important to be involved on campus; it’s a way to influence the university and others in a positive way. You have a voice, so use it.
