Wow. As I am sitting here, reflecting on my time in ADPI there are so many emotions running through my head.  I am so sad that I will be closing the door to the best four years and starting the next chapter of my life.  Three years ago, I rushed as a sophomore and I was so nervous I would not find “my home away from home.”  As cliché as this sounds, Alpha Delta Pi IS my home away from home.  The girls in this chapter have supported me in times I needed it, been a shoulder to cry on during the bad days, and always pushed me to be the best person I can be.  Our bond is real. It has been so comforting knowing I can walk into ADPI with a house full of girls that are truly accepting of each other and exemplify what a true sisterhood is like.  Epsilon Pi will always hold a special place in my heart and the friends I have made in the last 3 years will be my forever friends. 

I want to thank ADPI for bringing me two girls in particular, Chelsea Burandt and Emma Stillwell.  

Chelsea, your radiant smile and positive attitude lights up every room you are in.  You possess every quality of a Christian woman and I am so thankful He brought you into my life. I will miss our morning walks with Major and Banks and our dinner dates that turn into us talking for hours at a time.  You give the best advice, and I’m thankful to have such a caring best friend that listens to me even when I keep you up past your 10:30 bedtime.  

And Emma… you know I could list thousands of stories, from wearing wigs (and our Panda head, Roxy) around our house for the past 2 years, doing speak to talks to everyone who has ever walked in our house, and all of our late nights in 142, but the thing I will miss the most about you is your ability to make me laugh no matter what we’re doing.  You understand me better than anyone and I could not have made it through college without you.  It has been so heartwarming growing in our faith together (shoutout to Makenzie Williams) and experiencing everything college has thrown at us together.  You’ve been by my side through it all and I want to say thank you for that. 

The best advice I can leave behind for my sisters and future sisters is never miss a date night, play in all the intramural games you can, GO ON A MISSION TRIP (I promise it is the most life changing experience), stay up late with your roommates even when you have a test at 8 A.M, make the most of everyday with your best friends and never miss an opportunity because we don’t get to live in the same house, or a few houses down from each other, for the rest of our lives.   Thank you ADPI for providing me with true friendships, a place to call home, and memories that I will cherish forever. 

Love, Claire Durden Fall ‘17