A Place to Linger

From the moment I began my freshman year at Baylor, I knew I wanted to be a Chi

Omega. I had watched my two older cousins be heavily invested in by their friends in Chi O, and I wanted the same for myself. As I began to meet older Chi Os during the fall semester, I was often encouraged by the depth of their character. These older girls became a safe place to land for me in a season of life that can often feel overwhelming and unknown. After completing the recruitment process and accepting a bid from Chi O, I remember being so excited that I now belonged to this group of women that I had admired so much from a distance.

Now, somehow, I am in my senior year at Baylor, looking ahead to graduate school. As I sit in the newness of my season, thinking of all the lasts that are soon to come, I often consider my time here. I think of the friendships that have been such blessings to me, that have taught me to slow down and linger with old friends and new friends alike. One of my sweetest friendships that has come out of Chi O is my friendship with Eva, one of my roommates and best friends. Through walking in fellowship with her, I have learned more of the mind of Christ for me. In every situation we walk into, Eva carries herself with grace, poise, and the unique gift of seeing people for who they are. Based off the closeness of her walk with Jesus, she is quick to see those who are struggling, to sit with them and meet their needs in that moment. Even in loud and fun moments like White Carnation Formal or Sisterhood events, she always seeks to linger with the people who need it most. What a gift! What an encouragement she has been to me.

As I walk into post-grad in May, I am so thankful for the women of Chi Omega and the

person that they have encouraged and challenged me to be. A multitude of deep friendships have been forged here, not just for me, but for so many other girls! Within our four walls, there is a unique safety and rest that has been lovingly cultivated for many MC’s before me, and I hope will continue for many MC’s to come. My greatest hope for Chi O is that it would always be a place where people can linger, be comforted, and always be formed into the best versions of themselves. It has certainly been that for me.