You are such an inspiring class, thank you again for this post.
This will sound a little trite, but it is not, it is very meaningful to me. My first year at University I had a really hard time adjusting. I was desperately homesick and just couldn't get into life at University. I attended my classes but spent the rest of my time in my room crying. In the spring I decided to branch out and decided to participate in recruitment the time when the campus sororities and fraternities court new members. For those who have not been through the process or have never been a member it is kind of a funny thing to witness or hear about. There are a lot of stereotypes about sororities and fraternities. It is true that it is a selective process and the doors aren't opened for everyone, but many young women and men find their place as I did. I accepted an invitation to join a wonderful sisterhood and during the rush period (the time when the new pledges are not yet initiated) I became so close to my pledge class. I gained a "big sister" and became part of a "family" who were always there to guide me and help me. I could turn to them or any of the other sisters at any time, day or night, for anything. They were there for me through thick and thin and together we worked to study hard, better ourselves, socialise, give to charity and become quality members of our university community and the community at large. Our national charity was one that gave money and time to the deaf and blind. This served me later when I met my children's great-grandfather who was deaf and communicated via sign language.
There was, as is common, some light hazing involved. Often this is criticised in the media, rightfully so when it becomes extreme. But little challenges like scavenger hunts, lock-ins, running errands for sisters while managing school work, etc serves to solidify and bring the pledge class closer together. If I sister called me for something (usually a McDonalds delivery!) and I couldn't manage due to school work I knew I could call a fellow pledge sister to bail me out.
I mention that to say that these classes serve us in the same way. We are going through something rough and difficult, but the idea of being there for one another through good times and bad seems to serve our members well.
Anyway, just more rambling thoughts from me. I am thankful everyday for SR.