On the threshold of...

 Hi all!  It has been a busy but lovely spring!  Warm, pleasant days quickly dissolving into hot, steamy days -- long before it is officially summer.  These type of days are what we are known for in Alabama!  Summer has arrived, even though the calendar has not reflected it just yet!  School ending is a sure sign!  Now that most schools have graduated their seniors and closed for slower summer activities, it is time for our college-bound PNMs to take stock of where they are in their sorority recruitment preparation! 

By now, if you are participating in a fall 2014 sorority recruitment, you should have all of your paperwork completed.  Now is the time you organize and start delivering the packets to the alumnae, who will be writing your official recommendations.  This is a strong first step, and one that should not be overlooked!  I am always happy to help with any additional insight if questions should arise!

I have said countless times, newly graduated seniors should consider this a summer of lists! Starting with writing all of those 'thank your' notes, a necessary sign of gratitude upon receiving a plethora of graduation gifts.  Then there is the list of all the things needed to live comfortably in your college dorm.  Oh, and then there are clothing additions?  Not only is it what you will need to "dress for success" during sorority recruitment parties, but what to wear for orientation, etc.  I could go on and on, but again I remind you, think of this as a summer of lists!

However, I do hope you can take some of these slower summer days to sleep in a bit, spend some wonderful time with your family, but mostly to just breathe in the wonderful accomplish of a life milestone in graduating high school!  You are truly on the threshold of some wonderful experiences that college can bring!  Of course, my major concern is that you have an extraordinary sorority recruitment experience!  Again, preparation is key!  However, I do recognize that college holds an abundance of experiences (outside of sorority life) which can enrich your life!

Organize your lists, but schedule some down-time too!  This is an unique summer for new graduates.  Upon graduation, you immediately become a college-bound freshman.  There is such a sense of urgency in that, there really is no in-between!  So savvier these summer days, draw strength from them and the years of accomplishment behind you.  It is then that you can move ahead, embrace the change, and become even more self-aware to accomplish your personal goals!

Blessings on you all!  Congratulations graduates and may you have the best of everything during your college years and beyond!  Many hugs! Pat