Second Day at NGLA! (It still rhymes...haha)

Hey, hey, hey!

Ready to hear about another exciting day at NGLA!? I know you are... that's why we have 15 followers on our blog and I am sure more will join the "I wish I was at NGLA" train.

So last night... Playfair = Good time. It could have been more.... ughh... I don't know what the word is... but I met a really great Gamma Phi (Caitlynn from Union), a couple of Delta Gamma's and some Tri Delts. We then ventured up to bed and discussed the day and after hysterically laughing with Aubree and Katelyn (in addition to taking pictures, please see my Facebook) we got to bed around 1 o'clock. Needless to say 6:30 came REALLY early. But none the less I awoke to Aubree asking in a very perky voice if we were ready to start the day.

Our day started at 6:30, we got our Starbucks... yummmm Vanilla Latte! We then went back up to the room and got ready for the day.. dress to badge and we were all looking FLY. We OBVIOUSLY arrived early for the Keynote speaker however I won't lie when I say I was sort of disappointed that it was RESPONSE ABILITY due to the fact that at our chapter retreat last semester we watched this video. The lecture was all about the By-Stander affect and how that affects our values, but like any human we have natural barriers. But it is always great to get the lecture with the video and it was a good start to the day with Mr. Dilbeck.

Today was a day focused to our values in our organizations and as a greek community. It was filled with 3 education sessions and 2 chapter meetings (by number, I was number 8- WOOT!). We also had an affliation lunch where I sat with 11 other lovely Gamma Phi's and also met some great Alpha Sigma Taus!

My first ed. sesh was with Andrea Mosby called "From Friends to Foreplay" and don't let the title mislead you because we definitely talked about "Friends with Benefits". Her entire session was dedicated to talking about how we view relationships, who you decide gets your "best friend" title and what it means to be committed. She has a theory that you have Friends, Foreplay then Friends Forever... I'm not sure how I feel about that statement... I don't foreplay with my friends but I am sure I have them as friends forever... anyone else find that weird? She also brought up a great point that everyone should be asking yourself, "Define friendship". What does it mean? What does it make your friend responsible for? If you need help with this she gave us an acroymn to help define your relationship "PIESS"... Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social and Spiritual. On what levels do you and your friend agree? disagree? She quoted Barry Moore at the end of her session and it was definitely something that stuck, "A person is old when regret takes the place of dreams". You're friends should be pushing you forward and supporting you... not holding you back.

I had the pleasure of sitting through a second ed. sesh with Lehigh University's Jessica Diehl and Brian Casey called the Group Auction: What your Chapter Bids on their Reputation Everyday. This was a lot more interactive and I went through the session with Lori from Gamma Phi Beta at Ruckers. We had a mock auction and we bidded on several items (all for play of course) including Emeril, a new Chapter house to our design, free tution and books for the entire chapter, a new wardrobe, $50,000 for your organization's national philanthropy, etc. My group ended up winning a minimum of 10 years of world peace and a maid to clean up after our parties/our houses... I'm not a particular advocate for maids because I think you can clean up after your piggy self. Regardless, we touched upon several topics about our values and one that stuck was a question posed to us... "Do you think it is fair that we are the first ones targeted on our campuses?" While most of the group responded with a no, we were then presented with the question, "Well... what are we pledging to, what are we making as our oath?" and we could agree that we were bettering ourselves and our communities and to be leaders. So if we want to be above the crowd and stand out amongst everyone else then wouldn't it be expected that we be targeted first? Aren't we setting the examples for our campus?

Session 3 was the most entertaining, it was a session on how to master stress as a greek leader. It was facilitated by Hajii Otto... say his name out loud... it makes you smile :) And his session was definitely something to smile about... I sat with a girl from a local sorority Omega Beta Nu... she was really cute, her name was Brin. Hajii taught us several destressing factors, got us moving in our seats and played "All the Single Ladies". Just remember these 5 steps, Stop, Breathe, 1-2-3-Drop, Relax, SMILE! I have 2 things for this session, 1) My new mantra (which I am borrowing from Hajii) is called Loving it! x3... you say it even if you are not because it makes you feel better. 2) "Make your Greek experience an investment, not a horror" -Hajii Otto.

Chapter meetings with group 8 were okay, we had a fairly deep discussion about our values and hazing and I can honestly say I was very proud at where Bridgewater State College Greeks stand. I feel that although we are not perfect we are growing and developing each day and am thankful that I had helpful advice from other organizations and was also able to provide advice.

After the long day we got a lovely dinner at a local Irish pub. I got a ceasar salad and some clam chowder and it was very delicious. Although it was REALLY loud in there. Sarah fed Norman again. :)

Dinner was followed by a trip to the Greek Boutique- which was closed- woops missed the memo on that one! So we just decided to grab our laptops and come blog.

Well, my dear friends I have had quite the day. It will be another fantastic day tomorrow and am looking forward to tomorrow... can't wait for tonight's Pajammy Jam... pics to follow on FB.

PEACE LOVE & GREEK LIFE

-Lexi