Sort of without meaning to, I became an advisor for my sorority's USC chapter. It has been a good experience. I've met some great women, and I'm glad it's part of my roster of obligations.
Last week the sorority hosted a small Christmas dinner for the advisers and I looked up and down the table at the collection of alumni. The age range is several decades, and we come from all over the country. We have different accents, had different sorority experiences, and lead vastly different lives in these post-college years.
When I was in college, I thought it would be fun to be an advisor, but I never actually followed through with it until the opportunity fell in my lap earlier this year. It seemed like something I would do "later in my life."
In fact, I have a whole list of things my 21-year-old self thought I would do "later in life." I don't know when I thought "later in life" would come. 30? I'm thirty now. 40? 50?
You don't just wake up as the woman you want to be. At some point you have to start taking the steps that will lead to that person you envision.
Some of the things I dreamed for myself are valid and pursuit-worthy (mother, volunteer) while other priorities have fallen away (junior league, executive). This path will continue to evolve and change, I'm sure, but it doesn't happen by accident.
Those ladies at the Christmas dinner each bring something different to the group, but we're all models for the college girls we advise. And the older alumni are models for me. No matter what stage of life we're in, someone is always looking up to us and we're always looking up towards someone else.
Turning thirty, I'm reminded that life is chugging along. The advisor position came to me, but most things won't. I need to be more diligent about seeking out the experiences that will grow me as a wife and friend, as a person.
I need to remember to become the woman I want to be.
This is so good. So thoughtful. And exactly where I am this morning and in this season of my own life. I have been thinking a lot about some modifications I'd like to make to my own path, as well as some things that I am really, really happy to see blooming right where I am. It's really fun to work toward becoming That Woman, and to surround yourself with people who want to help you do exactly that. Thank you for the affirmation that just like any of my individual goals, I must be deliberate to become the whole woman I want to be.
Also, another interesting thought - I am MUCH more into "role models" as a 30-something than I EVER was as a child, teenager, or even in my 20s. Are you? I'm guessing that comes with maturing self-confidence. A willingness to admit that there are people, even people my own age, from whom I can learn a lot.
Posted by: jaime | December 16, 2009 at 07:18 AM