Dear Delta Delta Delta,

Dear Delta Delta Delta Chi chapter,

Hooray! I'm officially an alumni member! I wanted to thank you for this status, although I'm not quite ready to let you go as an active member. You, Chi chapter, were so very crucial to my four years here at Ole Miss and I don't know how to express my feelings and love for you in a letter, but, here's my best shot.

You brought me to my best friends and for that I will never be able to thank you enough. This bond is something that unless you're on the inside, I'm not sure you know the warmth and happy heart it brings you.

You see, my mom wasn't in a sorority, neither was my grandmother. I came into this whole sorority lifestyle a little confused and honestly, I had a different view on what my life with you would be like. I knew I would make friends, enjoy college, attend parties and more. I knew I'd test out drinking, stay out late on weekends, eat late night food, you know, livin' the college life.

It's what I didn't know that was the best part. Chi chapter, you brought me to the people I needed. Each one of these incredible friends was put in my life for a reason. They've taught me things I didn't know I needed to be taught.

You brought me a roommate who brings me my coffee in my bed just like I like it, while we talk about what's been bothering us lately, what we are learning with Jesus, which boys we want to take to date party, the latest Kardashian gossip. The two of us could win roommate trivia in a heartbeat, knowing anything & everything about the other. I couldn't have done college without her. We talk about what our schedules are for the day so we can make sure we eat meals together and we know we will never find another roommate like this again. It'll be strange not sharing a box with my best friend.

Without her, my college life wouldn't have been the same and because I know her, I know I've been changed for good. From random online roommates to partners in crime and each others #1, there would be no Chan without the other counterpart, right?

You brought me a nook full of neighbors who I've lived by for three years. Included with this special friendship is the "Nook Hall of Fame," inspirational white boards and chalk boards, Christmas trivia, intense games of Catch Phrase, sing-alongs to "Wake Me Up When September Ends," and midnight birthday celebrations.

You brought me a brunette with whom I've had quite the three years with, but at the end of the day we'll always be friends and love each other. You won't ever find us sharing clothes though, can't say Lilly goes with leather. You brought me an intelligent and calm friend from Nashville who always is level headed and sweet. You brought me to a sassy blonde who didn't know who I was for almost two years and then later we tackled New York together, side by side. I'm glad she finally learned my name when we became neighbors in Crosby. Maybe one day our roomie paths will cross again.

Specifically from this nook, you brought me a bold, wise girl from Jackson, MS who I would work by for two years. You, Chi chapter, held our sister president up and let her shine just how she was meant to, while leading us all in greatness. The two of us didn't know what would happen that day sophomore year when we got the email about us being new member educators together. I don't think we could've foreseen any of this. A reign ended, yet a strong friendship just begun.

You brought room 16 which holds two blondes with a truly inseparable bond, one who I even got to share a room with for a year. Thanks for the heater, the infinite stacks of Vogue, the movie snuggles and the 8 am class wake-up calls that work both ways. You two don't know how much I will miss you.

You brought me room 6 with two brunettes. One hilarious big city girl who was a roommate in a foreign city (@NewYork) and one whom our Nashville paths crossed in Oxford, Mississippi. You two squirrels brought me infinite laughs, multiple three-hour long Duggar weddings, many road trips and flights and fun Friday nights. I'm thankful one will be a few steps from me and the other will be a quick drive away.

Chi chapter, do you see how great you were to me? Just a few special faces I've mentioned to you, but I know you know how important the people are within your walls. I've never known greater people and friends. All lifting each other up to be better, to be encouraged and to be brave.

No matter the age, no matter the background, Delta Delta Delta knows no stereotype or limit. You encouraged relationships, (hi, two year gap friends!). Like breakfast dates, real talks at Lamar Park, Taylor Swift jam sessions to Sardis and back, late night trips to a secret Baskin Robbins and 2 AM "Come over!" text messages from my "kids."

The two year gap brought me the little college sister I always wanted. Chi chapter, that's because of you. Friendship has a funny way of working, one day you just look up and decide to become best friends. Inseparable during the day, sleepovers and pillow talk at night, I never knew that one of my best friends could be a different age than me. I'm thankful for uncountable amounts of QT, Harry Potter movies, breakfast dates and the endless amount of times people called us when needing to get in contact with the other. You, lil girl, will be one of the people I miss the most.

Chi chapter, the younger girls have no idea the impact they've had on my life. This all began with you my junior year. They thank me, but in return for each "thank you" I've heard, I'd like to say it back to them 10 times. Being friends with them taught me more and more about myself every day. I hope the moments we spent together they'll always remember. That two year gap is so important, if I do say so myself.

With my time here done, I hope you continue to be you, Chi chapter. I want everyone to experience what I had. Open your doors during recruitment week and let every member shine. I hope that you'll continue to make strangers into best friends. Fill everyone's hearts to the brim where you think you can't love people any more and then it overflows with love and encouragement. I hope that as every senior shuts those big wooden doors for their last time in two weeks, you'll give them the strength they need to go conquer the world.

As they say, Delta Delta Delta, we stand for self-sacrifice, truth and friendship, and that's what you've taught me. Exactly that. Self-sacrifice: late night heart-to-hearts will always be better than sleep. Truth: telling your friend the honest truth and holding them accountable is always better than lying. Friendship: it's the most gratifying, important and vital aspect to college, and life.

To you, Chi chapter - my twinkie, my best friends, the nook, my kids, and, in my opinion, the greatest university -- we are about to embark on our parting moment, our little "see you later." You've built me into who I am today. A 21-year-old girl who I am proud to be.

Who knew a little organization I wrote at the top of my bid card in 2011 would bring me this? Well, I know who knew. He sure knew what He was doing. I hope my time in Oxford brought a smile to His face, as I found Him and the people who were placed in my life specifically for these moments.

For that, I am forever thankful.

Sincerely and with all of my delta love,

Chandler

Stenny turns Twenny

March is officially here which can only mean one thing...

Happy 20th Birthday, Stennett!! 

If you see me during the week at Tri Delt (which is always), most likely standing right beside me is a now 20 year old who is at least 7 inches taller than me and blonde. On most days she'll be spotted in bean boots, leggings and the green Ole Miss Tri Delta long sleeve shirt. It's our uniform, it's fine.

There are many many reasons why I think Stennett deserves the best birthday today. One could be that I've been nagging her since mid-February about how excited I am for her birthday, so she's had to put up with a lot. Another could be that it's pretty cool that one day we just found ourselves being best friends and we know that that isn't random. But here's a few more for those of you who would like to know why....

1. Stennett is loyal like a lab. Someone needs her? She says when and where. She's intentional and caring and takes friendship very seriously.

2. She probably created the soft smile.

3. No matter the weather, Stennett would always rather be outside. From walks at Lamar Park to kicking the soccer ball at Sardis, it's always better than being inside.

4. We both believe a breakfast date can probably fix anything and why would anyone ever brunch for less than 3 hours at a time?

5. Harry Potter. That's enough right there. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery" -Hermione Granger

6. No matter the function, event space, holiday or party, I can guarantee it will only take us about 2-3 minutes to find each other. Tunnel vision is so real.

7. Stennett is bold and a born leader. She's a pledge trainer and you all know how I feel about that position, there's nothing like it. Those little baby dolphins don't even know the coolness and greatness that's about to hit them.

8. Our siblings are each others sibling and our families are each others families #FAM

9. From being your hairstylist to class advisor, we'll use any excuse to #bond for #sweetfriendship moments. Mama D to you little kids always. #JDA #BN

10. DJ Tanner is her alter ego, spirit animal, true self, whatever you want to call it - she's DJ. May Full House reruns never end on ABC Family, but if they do, thank goodness you own the series box set.

11. We celebrate each others birthdays like it's our own, while also celebrating each other with words of affirmation daily. 

12. She's a friend everyone wants to have and I feel honored & lucky to be one of hers. You can thank me all you want lil girl, but I need to thank you in return. I sure am thankful for that random trip to Corinth with a few heart-to-hearts afterwards, then we decided this was a friendship that was meant to be. We sure didn't know what He was doing in the beginning (if you would have told me on Bid Day...), but I'm glad Jesus decided we probably couldn't do these two years of college without each other. I'm thankful for continued friendship after the dreaded May day, too. I see many road trips in our future.

So, if that doesn't make you want to run up and hug this new 20-year-old & tell her Happy Birthday, I don't know what would. Stenny you're so loved by us all and we're all incredibly lucky to call you a friend!

Here's to many more birthdays, sleepovers, quality time, words of affirmation and moments of holding the other like a baby saying that it'll all be fine. Here's to you sweet thang!

Anna (The Selfie Queen) Turns 20

Anna is everyone's funny friend who never a moment pass without talking a selfie or snapchat. This birthday post is a little different than others, but Stuk truly is the selfie queen and you'll see through these 20 selfies why she deserved a great birthday.

I hope you had a great birthday, Anna! 

You're one funny kid. 

May Mama D & Co., BN & #JDA live forever.

Year in Review: 2014

2014 was one incredible year. Looking back, the one thing that stands out the most was my summer in New York City. I had the most unforgettable and life-changing internship which offered me more than I could even imagine. I fell in love with a city like I've fallen in love with people. I left a piece of my heart there, I often say.

I'll back up for a minute though. I ended junior with the best of friends by my side in May. I cried for the first time ever when leaving Oxford. 

My spring semester of junior was filled with classes I loved, promises of a summer in New York City, turning 21 years old and mini-trips, like Birmingham for Ginny's debutante ball, Corinth, St. Jude for the Tri Delta chapter retreat and Tupelo for spontaneous ear piercings.

I saw One Direction twice in concert, so basically Zayn & I are now married. I have now finished my first semester of my senior year, which is unreal. Don't worry, just when I thought my friends and family couldn't get any better, they did.

How can I then even begin to describe my summer though? I worked at the greatest company with the greatest people. How lucky was I to love going to work every day? It was a dream come true. Dannijo was anything anyone could hope for in an internship that ended in friendship. I could ramble on that for days, but you can read about it here.

Cue senior year. Senior year makes you emotional. Being about to begin the year of graduation is overwhelming, thrilling and terrifying. I think my biggest issue during this fall semester was relaxing and enjoying the moments. I often found myself in the greatest situations surrounded by my favorite people, but then it would hit me. In just a few quick months, I wouldn't be surrounded by these people anymore. 

I prayed and prayed for the will to enjoy certain moments and not be overcome with sadness. Great news, the burden was lifted and I was given freedom to enjoy my friends, the small city of Oxford and our last few moments together. As cheesy as it is, every day that passes is one day less that we have with each other where we are all just a few footsteps away.

We entered senior year, my people & I, with eagerness and excitement. The usual Friday and Saturday night routine was mapped out (South Depot to the Library) and we loved every minute of it. Not one night was taken for granted. It's not every weekend you can sing along to the Mustache Band or pay a $40 cover when your school beats Bama, right?

From Pickwick Lake, to recruitment week, to surprising Kendall for her 15th birthday, to getting a new job, the fall of 2014 was great, too. 

Every single one of my friends is aware that this time we are all sharing is coming to an end. It's almost the time to say goodbye, so we've got one more semester to cram friendship and separation anxiety in. At our girls Christmas party one of my friends asked, "I wonder where we will be next year and what we all will be doing?" Another friend replied, "Probably just wishing we were all still here, together." That sums it up. That's it right there.

2014 brought me strengthened friendships at school and at home. This year brought me closer to my family although we spent 11 weeks apart while I ventured into a new city. The year brought me an internship and a job. 

Recently, I've been rocked by my new job. It made me realize that loving & incredible people can be found in other cities too (sorry, New York, I still love you too). I learned not to fret about the future because when you look right in front of your face, great people are right there wanting to be with you and help you succeed. I had a hard time leaving New York for a fear that I would never work with such great people again, but Jondie you've out done yourself and made me feel right at home. My prayers were answers, above and beyond.

Cheers to you, 2014! You treated me well. New and old friends, sweet family, new cities and new experiences, it all happened with you, '14. 


Let's all cherish these "lasts" at school & embrace the future.


"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

20 Moments from 2014

When you go to St. Jude Children's Hospital dressed as One Direction

When you go to a debutante ball (@Ginny) and act like it's prom all over again

When you realize age really is just a number

When you get to room with your two best friends for a whole year

When you turn 21

  When you get the official call from your parents after class saying you can move to New York for 11 weeks during the summer

When you realize you work for a brand you believe in and love, and in addition, you love the people even more

 

When this is your walk to work every day

When you see One Direction twice in concert

When you fall in love with a city like you've fallen in love with people & you found it almost impossible to leave

When you return home to this 

When you realize you've been incredibly blessed by "online dating" aka the freshman year roommate search, where you ended up finding your roommate and best friend of 4 years

When you end recruitment week singing "Best House Ever" and you believe every word

 

 When you finally stop joking about dressing up at Kim Possible and Rufus the Naked Mole Rat and just do it

When we beat Alabama #rebs

When your little sister turns 15 and drives you around

When you wrap up senior year at The Library. Another Friday and Saturday night for the books 

When you end your President and Vice President reign with the person you've stood beside in Tri Delta for the past two years

When you realize there really is no feeling like coming home

(insert my parents, with whom I think we haven't taken an official family photo with since I was approximately 9 years old, it's time to update)

When I ended 2014 with the people I am having to say goodbye to in 2015 (s'sentimental seniors, always)

 

Thank you, 2014! You were good to me. 

Now, let's see where 2015 takes me!!