thebabyperks

It is with great excitement that I am finally announcing my senior seminar project. After analyzing my goals, looking at timelines and attempting to figure out exactly what I want to do to represent the culmination of my work here at Drury, I've finally figured it out.

Over the course of the next 6 weeks I will be spotlighting a new person with their #IAm______ story.
What is #IAm______? #IAm_______ is a social media campaign & event I've created to promote that college students are good enough, accomplishing great things and making a difference. Throughout college I have struggled and felt like I had to justify what I was doing because I'm "just" a college student. In reality, I have worked really hard to get the internships I've held and accomplished a lot during my time at those internships. I struggled to see myself as someone that people look up to even though I've had various leadership roles.

#IAm______ is the chance for other students to tell their stories about times they've struggled, but ultimately, how they learned to self-identify their strengths and be proud of themselves.

Today, I am here to say that #IAmALeader. I've had 3 internships, worked my way from staff writer to managing editor of the student newspaper, served as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run, I'm in 3 honors societies and I'm very involved in Kappa Delta, which is the main focus of my story.

Photo by Allyson Dougherty Photography

I've been the president of Kappa Delta for almost a full term now and previous to that I was VP-PR, assistant VP-M, and intramurals chair. Over 3 1/2 years I've dedicated a lot of time to fostering the development of Alpha Psi chapter, and therefore, our national organization as a whole. It took two events for me to realize I was a good leader in the sorority. The first was this summer at Kappa Delta National Convention when I received the top collegiate award for my involvement in KD, on campus and in the community. The second wasn't until this past Sunday at an alum advisory board meeting I was leading. During the meeting we discussed a lot of things that I have worked really hard on. As I was walking home that night it hit me how much work I've put in. It was exciting to see it begin to pay off in a way that will leave a lasting impact on our chapter.

#IAmALeader & I am proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone last October to run for chapter president. Over the past year I have grown so much more confident. I know what I am capable of and I am not afraid to share it. It's time that we celebrate ourselves and our hard work.

I will be reaching out to five individuals about their #IAm______ stories for publishing on my blog, but if you would like to participate in my campaign you're in luck! On Wednesday, October 23, from 11:30-1:00 I will be outside of the Drury Commons. During this time you can fill in the blank on an #IAm______ card and stick it to the banner that will be hanging up.

I would really appreciate your participation in my #IAm______ campaign. Be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media (@iamdu2019) to read all of the #IAm_____ stories over the next 6 weeks.

Until next time,
Taylor xx