Cardinal Key

Happy New Year everyone!!

It is so exciting to be back at Truman for the spring semester. Fall semester definitely had its ups and downs, but there’s something so encouraging about a fresh start. Whether your goals this year are to think more positively, read good books, learn to cook, volunteer somewhere, or discover your passion for running (more power to ya), Cardinal Key wishes nothing but success in your efforts.

The best thing about success is that it looks different to everyone. There is no one path to success. Some days, success will look like achieving a skill that you’ve worked at for weeks or months. Other days, success will be measured by accomplishing one task on your sometimes endless to-do lists. The important thing is to take it in strides, give yourself plenty of grace, and recognize that you’re doing the best that you can. Progress is hardly ever linear and it is absolutely OKAY if we have to stop and reevaluate our goals.

Wherever this new year finds you, consider 2018 as an opportunity for growth. It’s important not to dwell on the past, but take the time to practice thankfulness and being present in every situation that life brings you. You are loved, you are alive, and you have purpose. You bring joy to the people around you in ways that you will never realize and you have so much to offer the world. In a time where there is so much hurt, uncertainty, and strife in our world–your small deeds can create a ripple effect that touches a multitude of people. That is such an exciting thought!

Everyday is a new opportunity to live your best life.

So much CK Love,

Cassie

It happened again. I woke up and checked my phone to see nothing but heart shattering news. An indescribable, unimaginable nightmare. The next few days nothing else reaches our TV screens besides those innocent lives taken in the Las Vegas shooting. 58 innocent, beautiful lives. May their families and this world find peace and healing through this tragedy.

I am 22 years old and this headline has crept its way into our lives one too many times: Sandy Hook. 9/11. Charleston. Aurora. San Bernardino. Ft. Hood. Virginia Tech. Columbine. Orlando. Las Vegas. These headlines are plastered across our screens and we are overwhelmed with madness, disgust, sadness, confusion, and helplessness. Despite all this darkness, we must not lose hope. We must realize we are surrounded by greatness everyday. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of our own lives, but don’t forget to stop and enjoy the vast beauty surrounding you. Don’t forget to stop and be the hope someone needs today. In all this madness, I have realized how short this beautiful journey really is. Before I knew it I blinked and in a couple months I will be a college graduate.

We are only promised a certain amount of trips around the sun so make the most of every day. Squeeze your mom a little tighter next time you hug her. Remind your siblings how much they’ve shaped you into the person you’ve become today. Thank your dad for always being your best friend, even when you made it difficult. Love harder and don’t be afraid to show it. Our time here is too short to hold on to anything but love. There are times we want to spew with anger rather than to find forgiveness. There are times we have our backs against the wall with nothing left to give, but still we fight. Why? Because anger, resentment, sadness, all of it has no right to make a home in your heart. You fight back. You have become resilient. You have chosen to choose love time and time again because after all- how can you give to others when you have an empty heart? Fill your heart with love and this will spew out into all facets of your life.

This world may seem like a dark place sometimes, but I see the light shine brighter than hate everyday. I know you see it, too. Like those brave, courageous individuals who shielded others from the bullets. Like our first responders who charged into the madness to help those innocent, beautiful souls. Like my best friend, who hopes to touch the lives of children as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. Like my teammates, who constantly love and encourage me to be the best version of myself on and off the course. I know you all see this magic in your lives everyday, too. I pray you still spread all this love, despite the heart wrenching news of Las Vegas. Please, don’t lose hope.

No matter our race, religion, political affiliations, income, or personal beliefs, we are all human beings. We all must come together. We all must love one another that much harder. It is up to us to ensure our children have a safe and loving world to venture into. This cannot happen unless we start having open conversations, instead of debating with one another. There is a difference. This cannot happen unless we choose to embrace the differences that make us who we are. Every interaction, no matter how pleasant or unpleasant, can teach you something about life and love. Don’t ignore this. Choose to stand up for what you believe in and choose love time and time again. Choose to be the light we need in this world. Choose to live free and love fearlessly. Choose to be a good human.

And when you start to lose hope, sit and reflect on the wonderful blessings in your life because they are everywhere and never forget:

Love is everywhere. Love heals. Love conquers all.

All my love,

Stephanie <3

P.S. When I am at a loss for words, I turn to music. I had no idea how to respond to this unfathomable tragedy so I listened to Maren Morris’ new song, Dear Hate. Give it a listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUPR5-igTVY

Wow, what an incredible year it’s been to be a Cardinal Key. The 2016-2017 school year brought countless challenges that never could have been anticipated, and though it hasn’t always been easy, we’re grateful for all the opportunities we had to grow. The good news is that despite our challenges, we’ve had a lot of fun along the way!

We welcomed 15 beautiful new women into our beloved organization…

…and we watched them grow into fully initiated members of Cardinal Key.

And CK alum Hannah Hyer gave a brilliant speech. Our new babies thanked her with a little CK love for her dog, Meryl!

We also had a great time at our “Under the C(K)” retreat, where we did “sea yoga,” made some pretty hilarious skits, and soaked up a lot of love.

Thanks to our retreat committee for planning it!

We danced the night away at our formal with Blue Key:

And of course, we found PLENTY of time for service this semester. We got in a lot of time at Manor Care, as always, and found the time to help out at some new places, like Take Root Cafe. To finish off the semester, we participated in a Service Cup Challenge with Blue Key and WON!!!

We’re so grateful for the love we’ve given and gotten in return. We’re thankful for this semester, this year, and every moment we’ve had together. As we look forward to the future, we do so with endless love and gratitude in our hearts.

CK held retreat Friday, March 20 and had a blast with our SS CK theme! This was our new member’s first retreat and it was so great to enjoy good company, food, friends and of course laughs with our whole chapter.

Its National Diabetes Awareness month and Cardinal Keys are spending their afternoon in the SUB today 11/11  from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. passing out ribbons and sharing information about JDRF and Type 1 Diabetes.

Interested in joining Cardinal Key? Come meet the women of Cardinal Key and find out more about our organization on November 10th. We will be hosting 2 information sessions, starting at 6-6:45 p.m. and then 7-7:45. We would love to see you at whichever one works best for you!

Our graduates! Whitney Skidmore, Hannah FInk, Sarah George, Stacey Norby, Lara Redmond, Clarie Moore, Abbi Berry, Chelsea Holland, Lynde Blakely, Kayla Lagud, Katie Hirsch, Heather Redel, Tailor Kappers, and Lauren Chapman

Looks like this is it folks.  Our seniors officially graduated!  Congratulations to all of them and their families.  They are all amazing woman who are off to change the world!

CK love to everyone else out there too!  Cardinal Key hopes all of you out there have a safe and wonderful summer.