Our Generation Doesn't Have To Be Lazy

College is a place for experimentation. Not in a sex and drugs way, but in a productive, finding yourself way. I have spent my three years at LMU picking up hobbies, jobs, and friends, just to half ass everything, or lose contact or interest. But I definitely learned throughout the process, whether it was about myself, or about people around me.

I see College as a place where you can experiment with your personal and profession goals, because there is nothing on the line in terms of planning the rest of your life. A student doesn’t depend on their hobbies and work study jobs as an income yet. That’s what student loans are for. Putting everything off for a bit, while you focus on what really matters. I am writing because I am inspired by those who have chosen not to put things off. I am writing about the students who have taken the freedom to try and fail, and applied it to something productive. I am talking about students who have tried to start their dream job in college by creating it for themselves.

For example, my friend started a clothing company when he was in high school, and has continued with the project into college. The other day he shipped a giant box of shirts and hats to a skate shop in northern Italy. His brand has a strong social media presence, and have recently begun to sponsor skaters. Through the power of Instagram, Facebook, and all the other sites we usually use to share pictures of ourselves getting drunk, we have the power to do something productive.

College is the perfect environment to begin a creative project for a multitude of reasons.

1. Collaboration. Students are motivated. They are eager to jump on board and help with any project, just to gain experience. Or maybe to try and take over control, but those are easy to spot, and therefore easy to avoid.
2. Building a resume. Everything a student does in College can go on their resume. So what would look better than something that a student started on their own? If this is your only goal, so be it. Use it as motivation to try something you have always told yourself you would do, or that you see yourself doing after college. 
3. There is virtually no risk. Sure, a project started by some college kids may not work out, or may not even be taken seriously. But who cares? The point is to try something. To take a risk. The worst thing that can happen is that you learn more about your interests and strengths.

Everyone should take initiative and come up with some creative idea while they are in school. Whether it is writing a script, starting some business venture, or even blogging. We are fortune to live in an age in which anyone can DJ on their MacBook Pro, create as many WordPress blogs as their heart desires, and connect with the world instantaneously. We should take advantage of it.

Ideals of Gold

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. As an ambitious freshman just days into the fall semester, I would still be drawn to the familiar smiles and warm welcomes of the ladies in black and gold. I took a chance and won a precious opportunity to write history and build a foundation. I created and upheld strict values of leadership, service, sisterhood and personal excellence; the four points of our beloved kite. I learned the true value and meaning behind the ritual, now lazily murmured and scoffed at as a waste of time and effort. I will always be proud of these letters chosen with love and respect for the values they represent and the history made over a hundred years ago by four brave women tired of being merely mascots for their male counterparts, and yearning for a sisterhood of their own. I remain firm in my stance because I refuse to abandon my promise of loyalty. I will not bow down and allow myself to believe that I don't fit the mold and I do not deserve to wear the letters

K

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O

Hate me for my personality and the way I look, but do not think that I am phased by rejection. Solitude only makes me stronger and more resolute in my decisions. My broken pride will never allow me to abandon the sisterhood I have grown to love. I may not love you all, but there are sisters far away whom I will love as long as Iive. Sisters who gave me everything that I am refused in this superficial cloud of inflated egos and insecurity. I cling to the memories I once had and I always find beauty in them.

So when you see me weep, know that it is not for you. No, never. My tears do not fall for the wicked, but for the pure of heart. Those that carried me with open arms and lifted my spirits. Those who gave a home to a homeless soul. 

These are the only reasons I am able to continue on and 

smile

wave

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and encourage young women to join this sisterhood that has both provided for me and stolen from me so much time and emotional energy.

Ultimately, I made a choice to leave behind the love and security of my former life to pursue my career path and passions here in the City of Angels. I paid a price that has taken a great toll on my mind and heart. Acceptance does not run free and talents are not exalted in this place without a pleasing facade wrapped in the finest, most expensive packaging. 

I felt every glare and heard every whisper. I was never TRULY treated like I belonged.

Recruitment season brings mixed emotions as each girl puts on their finest fronts and I am embraced and raved about to bubbling potential new members. I am impressive in my knowledge and my story is unique. I provide exciting relief from tired conversations and give even more evidence of the "diversity" we represent. I am used as a pawn, and I almost enjoy it. Being liked and having friends for a mere 50 minute mixer, then ignored for the next 10 until a new group of fresh faces appear in the room. 

Riding this high, I push on in hopes that the streak will break, and I will finally fall into a comfortable spot side by side with the others rather than two steps behind. 

"Not everyone can be so selfish. Not everyone can be so cruel." 

I tell myself time and time again.

I'm sure they can, but I always hope they won't.