"Go Forth and Set the World on Fire.": Changing Attitudes, Changing Times

The past week has been filled with some pretty interesting changes, the first of which came in the form of changing my own attitude. Before spring break, I was asked to select an SAB representative for the Miss Paddy Murphy Pageant, a fundraiser sponsored by one of the fraternities. They were looking for a representative from each campus organization to participate and in turn help raise money for Children’s Miracle Network. I decided to volunteer myself as SAB’s rep. We talked about it among the e-board, and I was the only senior female on the board, so it only seemed fair. I was nervous to say the least. Nothing like this had ever been done on campus before so I was apprehensive as to how it would turn out. I was also terrified at the thought of having to perform by myself for my individual talent. I feel pretty good about being part of group performances, but when it’s just me up there on stage, it’s a different story.

All that aside, I decided to volunteer because I knew that it would push me outside of my comfort zone. With only a few months left before I graduate, I figured there was no time like the present to put myself out there and see what would happen. I was pleasantly surprised. Although I was pretty timid during practices, I found myself incredibly excited the night of the pageant. Thirty minutes before doors opened, the fraternity men came to notify all of us girls that we had sold out the event. That really made me feel great, to know that I was helping out another organization as well as helping a very worthy charity. I found that I was only nervous during my individual talent, but that even subsided once I was out there. I am so glad I made myself go through that experience. I really ended up enjoying myself, and it is a memory from my senior year that I will definitely cherish. I learned that when you step outside your comfort zone, you will be pleasantly surprised. I think this change in my own attitude was pretty remarkable.

Another big change that happened on campus was the election of a new e-board for SAB for next school year. We have a great group of new student leaders ready and eager to take on their positions. I have no doubt that they will do a wonderful job next year. It just seems strange, though, to think that I won’t be a part of it. I have been actively involved with SAB pretty much since my first week at Rockhurst as a freshman, and I have been on e-board for 3 years. I really put my heart and soul into this organization and the work it does for the university. I’m really proud of what we were able to do while I was a part of it. I’m excited to see what they do with it next year, but I can’t help but feel like I am giving away a pet or prized possession. I know it will go to a great home, but I still feel nostalgic for it. Change can be scary, but it is also a good thing. I think this lesson will be very important for me in my last 6 or so weeks at Rockhurst.