A Letter to My Pre-AED Self
Dear Freshman year Lindsey,
I know your freshman year was simply awesome. You met new friends from all over the world, gained independence by living away from home, attended football games where you showcased your school spirit, and took challenging classes that were finally interesting and applicable to your future career.
Even with all of that, something is still missing, something you might not even know of yet. Community, and people to lean on when school and balance get tough; direction, to lead you to the pre-health path you are meant to pursue; and purpose, to contribute to something bigger than yourself. Suddenly, when you hear about Alpha Epsilon Delta, you decide to rush on a whim, not knowing that your college experience is finally about to feel complete. The late night study sessions become more bearable, your weekends have plans you are looking forward to, and you feel supported always - 100 new people who you can text whenever you need and they would drop anything to be there in a heartbeat.
Unlocking this family goes beyond these next three years. It means a database of alumni that can hop on a call with you whenever you need, lifelong friends you’ll travel with and to, and wisdom that will stick with you forever. You may think you’re joining a club, but it’s way more than that.
AED means cider mill trips every far, traveling to Dallas for the biannual national conference (and of course LalaLand), and trying every coffee shop in Ann Arbor for interviews.
AED means leadership opportunities. A place to grow and thrive, and not be judged when you fall (or fail).
AED means someone always being down for a slice of joes, a trader joes run, or a slurpee.
AED means Tuesday nights in Palmer Commons, and never walking out less than wowed.
AED means meeting people in all grades, majors, and who come from all walks of life. And not only meeting people, but developing meaningful friendships with all of them.
AED means people to cry with about your orgo exam, to make your 4 year plan, and to read your application for the summer internship 100 times until it's flawless.
AED means emailing Jen in dire need when you think you need to change your major for the third time this semester.
AED means meme after meme in the groupme, Sunday night emails that get you excited for the week, and a plethora of academic resources for every class the University offers.
AED means 3am elections and counting down the minutes until dominos is delivered.
Dear Freshman year Lindsey,
I know you like college, but man, are you about to love it.
And Dear Rushees,
Every single AED member could write a similar letter to their pre-rush self… and we were all once where you are right now. You may be feeling nervous, scared, and overwhelmed, anxiously awaiting interviews, wondering what’s next. My advice is to trust the process, connect with us and each other, and be yourself; no matter the outcome of these crazy weeks, AED is already a meaningful part of your story. You have already discovered our truly special family, and we cannot wait to welcome you into it.
AED love always,
Senior year Lindsey
