As I reflect on my first year of college, I feel incredibly grateful for the people who have come into my life over the past few months, giving me joy and friendship that I can’t believe I ever lived without. When it came time for me to say my goodbyes before moving to Gainesville last summer, I remember coming across the quote: “You still haven’t met all the people who are going to love you.” This gave me comfort as I left my best friends from home, but made me hopeful that I would find my people at UF. If only I had known then how true these words would come to be, as I can now say that I am surrounded by more love than ever. I owe that feeling to Chi Omega and the women that I am so lucky to call my sisters.
One of these women is my big, Devyn. Although we are from the same city, Devyn and I never crossed paths until I became a Chi O. The fact that we have always lived within twenty minutes of each other but only met because of Chi O is insane to me. Now, I text her my every thought and can’t stand going a few days without seeing her. Devyn has a magnetic personality, and I am so fortunate to love and be loved by her. She is passionate about what matters to her and works harder than anyone I know for everything she sets her mind to. Some of my absolute favorite moments this year have been with Devyn, and I know that whenever we’re together I’m going to be laughing and creating the best memories.
During recruitment I had the chance to meet two more women who I am so proud to love. Caroline and Abby, my now GBig and GGBig, were so kind to me during rush and made me feel at home. The excitement they showed upon welcoming me into their family was so special to me, and I will always look to them as role models for how to make others feel seen and cared about. From eating at Dragonfly together to celebrating Caroline on her twenty-first birthday, the time we’ve spent together will always mean so much to me. I could not be more excited to see the great things they achieve and experience in this life.
Just a few days ago, my beautiful friend and Chi O sister Kendall came to stay with me in my hometown of St. Petersburg, and I was reminded again of how much my life has changed for the better in the past year. I have also only known Kendall for a few months, yet she already feels like family and understands me better than many people. Showing her around my favorite places felt like such a full circle moment and solidified in my mind the idea that you never know who will enter your life and become such an important part of it. You really have no idea how many people you are going to get to love. <3
XOXO,
Caroline Fuss, MC’23