My name is Bella and I am a covid baby. That’s to say I graduated high school in May of 2020. I have never experienced college before the pandemic, but this year was amazing, wonderful and incredibly normal. In honor of that, here are my top 10 events of this past year in semi-chronological order.
1. Spirit Week & Recruitment
This is the very first thing all of us do when we get back to campus and as long as the hours are I love it. I had to not just honorable mention spirit week as this past one is very special to me. The week-long “training” and bonding we all do to prepare for the new PC is the time that I meet my future roommate for the spring semester. Emma and I had exchanged a few words last year, but nothing beyond that. Until one conversation mid rehearsals for Second Invite in which she brought up enjoying astrology. From there we became best friends and I eventually convinced her to move into the quad that I was in when my fall semester roommate went to study abroad for the spring semester. Then only a short week after that I meet my future little in the first virtual round of recruitment. This season may just be three weeks, and despite the long hours requiring me to drink a couple red bulls, I love it.
2. All In-Person Classes
While I was fortunate my first year to have a fair bit of regular classes, campus still felt a little empty at times. This year having to walk to class everyday not only helped me close my rings on my watch, but made me feel the most like a Purdue student. I have no other way to describe it beyond that. Walking around (not underneath) the bell tower to make it across campus to Stanley Coulter while some snow is still left on the ground is a surprising core memory.
3. Rushing the Field, and More
For the first time I sat in Ross-Ade, Mackey and Alexander as a Purdue student. During our home football game against MSU (ranked #3) our boys pushed in the last quarter to win 40-29. I nearly toppled over jumping down from the seats to hit the turf. Water was being thrown, people were being thrown on other’s shoulders, and I was having the time of my life. While I didn’t step onto the court of Mackey, cheering from the top of the arena was just as enjoyable.
4. Parent’s Day
Dad’s day took place in the fall with my parent taking a nap on our couch in the basement following a very chilly day in Ross-Ade. Mom’s day was in the spring semester, and each semester it is so enjoyable to get to meet all of your sisters' families. The free food is a huge perk as well.
5. Barn Dance, Sponto & Formal
KD’s on the dance floor is a time for sure. All of our dances this year were so much fun even if my boots gave me some awful blisters post Barn Dance. Formal season was also incredible. I say season because one of the best parts of greek life is getting to go to other sororities and fraternities dances beyond your own. It makes Purdue seem smaller and more glittery when you're all dressed up surrounded by your sisters and friends.
6. For the Kids, Dogs, and Foundations (Philanthropy Events)
Speaking of events that are fun beyond the ones you host, going to other greek philanthropy events is such a fun way to waste a weekday afternoon. Brunches, bull riding, midnight pancakes, golf, runs, and paint dodgeball were just some of the endless events that took place this year. However, if I do say so myself KD did some great things for PCAA and Girl Scouts this school year. My personal favorite was our joint event with ATO where we had some adorable puppies from Natalie’s Second Choice, and live music. Puppy philanthropy events hold a special place in my heart.
7. Spring Break!
This one is a very big deal. Beyond getting a much needed break during the exhausting winter that is most of spring semester, this was my first college spring break. Last year Mitch Daniels decided to take away our spring break because of the pandemic, and it felt like the spring semester would never end. I had an amazing time on a small beach in Florida with my friends that are in sororities of their own. Seeing everywhere my sisters went, and hearing all the stories at dinner when we all got back to campus brought so much joy when I was very burnt out.
8. Forever Home Tour
Kappa Delta is getting a new home, and we got to tour the construction site at the end of spring semester this year. It’s incredible having something the entire chapter is not only excited about, but is already so proud of before it's even finished. I can’t wait to come back to campus in the fall and see all the progress that has been made.
9. Grand Prix
One of my new favorite Purdue traditions is Grand Prix. This week is absolutely insane, and I made so many incredible memories by the end of it. My mom flew in for the race and I took her out with my sisters, and that wasn’t even the best part of the week. I loved doing something that is incredibly unique to Purdue, and getting to do it with some of my favorite people.
10. Graduation
This was so incredibly heartwarming, but also bittersweet. My GBig, Big, and bestfriend all graduated this past May. I can’t describe how proud I was seeing all of them in their gowns, seeing my big get her pin from the college education, but also how much I will miss all of them. Don’t waste a second of college not enjoying it with those around you, they will be graduating in a blink of an eye. To all the Kappa Delta Grads congratulations, you will be dearly missed.
AOT
Bella Polvado
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