​Whenever I go out to parties, I often get the question, “Why don’t you drink?”
 
Whether people drink or not is a personal decision.  I thought I would share the reasons why I don’t drink because I get asked this question frequently.
 
Here’s why:
 
FAITH
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
 
The main reason I don’t drink is because my body is not my own. This verse is a great reminder to me to treat and respect my body in the same way that I would treat something that I borrowed. 

HEALTH
My immune system is already weak due to the lack of sleep from studying late at night. Drinking would worsen my case since it’s known to weaken the immune system.
 
I believe that you’re never too young to slow down the physical signs of aging. Alcohol speeds up aging on both the inside and outside of the body. Dehydration weakens the organs as well as the supply of collagen that works to keep your skin looking youthful. 
 
Alcohol is just a bunch of empty calories. Our metabolism slows as we age so personally I would rather spend my calories drinking a milk shake (which at least has some protein!) than empty calories that can lead to more consequences than just gaining weight.
 
I love waking up feeling physically fit and healthy, and if I woke up with a hangover I wouldn’t feel that satisfaction. 

CONTROL
I like to be in control of my thoughts and actions. By not drinking, I avoid making drunken mistakes, texts, or calls, which can create unnecessary drama or problems I’d have to try and resolve the next morning. I also want to remember the memories my friends and I share when we go out together. I would be alarmed if I woke up and couldn’t remember what happened the night before.

MONEY
Alcohol is expensive! If you gave up drinking for a week, just think of how much money you would save…then think of how much you’d save after a year. 

​SOCIAL
Many people drink to be more social or have fun. I have gained so much more confidence by not drinking. Not drinking forces you to get out of the corner and simply be yourself, which is good practice for after college.

RESPECT
No one has ever made fun of me for deciding not to drink. In fact, people at parties have told me, “Wow I really respect that you don’t drink,” and, “I wish I had never started drinking”.
 
Celebrities like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, and even Kim Kardashian don’t drink (I was shocked when I heard that Kim doesn’t drink!). So for those of us who don't drink, there are plenty of others both famous and not famous who also choose not to drink!
 
Thanks for reading!

XOXO

​B

In honor of rush coming up, I wanted to share my thoughts on the benefits of being apart of a sorority!
 
Last year I rushed, and while it was one of the most stressful weeks of my life, it was one of the most rewarding too. Joining Delta Gamma has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Here’s why:
 
SISTERHOOD
Growing up with two older brothers, I always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. After joining Delta Gamma, I now have 200!
 
In high school, the atmosphere can be “competitive” between girls. However, in Delta Gamma, we’re all on the same team. We encourage, support, and truly want the best for each other. The girls that I’ve met in the sorority aren’t just my sisters; they’re also my lifelong friends. 

SOCIAL
Going to college can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know anyone. Joining Delta Gamma led me to meet and interact with people, both in and out of the sorority. Whether it’s attending formals, themed mixers, or date nights with the fraternities, there are so many opportunities to socialize as well as make lasting friendships and memories.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The social perks of being in a sorority may be obvious, but there are also academic standards. To advocate the importance of grades, the sorority hosts mandatory study sessions. At first, I dreaded this idea, but honestly I’m so glad it’s a thing! During my first semester of college, I found it difficult to find a balance between my social life and school work. However, going to study sessions helped me to do just that. And studying with my sisters made it more enjoyable! 

PERSONAL GROWTH
In just my first year as a Delta Gamma, I’ve already noticed personal growth. Being in a sorority has challenged me in new ways. I took on new responsibilities such as attending weekly chapter meetings, helping to raise money for our philanthropy, and participating in social events. All of these add up to making a well-rounded college experience.
 
There are also leadership positions in the sorority that you can run for; which look great on a resume!
 
I have met so many amazing people through my sorority that I may not have met otherwise. Joining Delta Gamma has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.

​I hope you all decide to rush! GO DG :)
 
XOXO
​
B

If you’re a guy, this one is for you. Some of these may seem obvious, but they are good reminders. After all, being a gentleman never goes out of style. 

WELL GROOMED
Dress well. You don’t have to wear a suit everyday but wear flattering clothing and look presentable.
 
Keep your hair, and facial hair clean cut.  Don’t go overboard on hair products, you don’t want to look as though you haven’t showered in weeks.
 
Clean up after yourself. If you have company over, make sure your place is tidy and neat.
 
You only get one first impression, so make it a positive one.

MAINTAIN HYGIENE
 Shower often.

Smell good. I personally love when guys smell nice, and I’m not the only one! Wear deodorant and invest in some cologne.

Have fresh breath. Guys, I’m sure you can agree that this is important.  

​Manicured nails. If you’re going to hold our hands, please make sure you don’t have dirt under your fingernails.  

AVOID OFFENSIVE ACTIONS
 Keep your language clean. Swearing is not as cool as you think.

Absolutely no farting (I hate to even say the word!), burping or any discussion of it.  

Chew with your mouth closed. 

BE CONSIDERATE
Open doors. Including the car door—I literally get butterflies when guys do this. 

Give up your coat when it’s cold.

When eating out let her order first, and take the first bite.

Walk on the side closest to traffic when you're with her so she feels safe.

Offer to pay for her. You don’t have to take her to a fancy restaurant, but treating her to coffee or ice cream is a kind gesture. If she says no that's fine, just show her that you're willing to cover it.   

​Treat waiters and servers with respect. How you treat others says a lot about you.  

COMMUNICATE
Be clear about your intentions. If you like a girl tell her; on the other hand, if you don’t want a relationship be up front right away. Never lead a girl on.  

Ask a girl on a date. Don’t say “do you want to hangout.” Literally make a plan (with a set time and day) and ask her out. It can be as simple as a walk. 

Keep your commitments. No one likes getting their hopes up, or a flaky person.  

Don’t talk about yourself too much. Keep the focus on others.

Being humble is better than being cocky. No one wants to hear about how great you think you are, let her figure that out for herself. 

Show her that chivalry isn’t dead!

XOXO

B