Dear Her Campus,
Where do I even begin? Let’s start at the beginning — freshman year. I was an eager little freshman and excited to get involved on campus. I had just started my blog and writing quickly became a passion for me. I found the application to write for Her Campus about three weeks prior to classes beginning and I instantly fell in love with the organization. I was nervous I wouldn’t be good enough, and much to my surprise, I actually won Rookie Writer of the Year in my first semester.
That fueled the fire inside of me to make the most out of my Her Campus career. I started writing like crazy and asked to help with anything going on in the club. I wanted to be as involved as possible. At our first tour, I showed up bright and early at 7 am and stayed until 5 pm; I knew I had just solidified my committed relationship with Her Campus. The end of freshman year rolled around and I went out on a limb and applied for an executive role on the team. A bit audacious for a freshman if I do say so myself, but my hard work paid off and I was the new social media director (!!!!!).
Sophomore year came around and I was ready to take it by storm. In addition to dominating on our social media, I made it my business to help our current president with anything she needed. I worked on marketing campaigns, planned events, and was her go-to person for anything she needed in the club. That January, my dream came true when she asked me to be her successor and take the role of President that following fall. I was on cloud nine.
Then, that summer, I got to see a whole new side of Her Campus when I first attended Her Conference. Seeing the company in action only made me fall more and more in love, and I knew my dream would be to work for HCHQ someday. I made it my goal to get as involved with the company as possible, and joined the InfluenceHer Collective for bloggers and Campus Trendsetters. I even got my first paid collaboration thanks to IHC.
In the fall I began my first semester as president, and we kicked it right off with our Zenni tour; one that I am extremely proud of because it was the first large scale event I planned on campus. During the planning process for that tour, I was able to network with so many amazing people and made connections that will last a lifetime.
Spring semester was incredible because I secured an internship with HCHQ and knew I was one step closer to making my dream come true. I was so lucky to have an opportunity to work remotely with the community team, and it made me realize that I refuse’ to say goodbye to Her Campus after graduation.
Junior year ended strong for me. I had just finished my first year as president and was headed to Los Angeles for Her Conference to celebrate. At Her Conference, I was able to meet so many more amazing members of the Her Campus and InfluenceHer Collective community, and it really strengthened my love for this company.
Now not only was I in love with my school’s chapter but the national organization (and all its entities) as well! Her Campus was home for me.
Her Campus was home for me.
Senior year is bittersweet to think about. Going in, I knew I’d be emotional that my time with Her Campus was nearing its end. But I never realized how emotional I’d get until it actually happened. There were so many great moments and a lot of sad memories, and now that I’m about to close this chapter of my life, I’m realizing how grateful I am that Her Campus came into my life.
Her Campus has given me a sense of community — not just in my school, but around the world. With over 400 chapters worldwide, there are so many girls that have had similar experiences as me, and I’m so lucky to be able to connect with them over such an amazing shared experience.
Her Campus is not just a publication to me. Her Campus is the complete college experience. From gaining real-world experience in digital media to creating bonds with women all over campus and beyond, Her Campus has given me a passion, a reason to be excited for each and every day, and memories to last a lifetime. I have never been more passionate about anything than I have about Her Campus. Her Campus has given me dreams and goals and role models to look up to. Most importantly, Her Campus has given me a huge family around the world.
Her Campus is not just a publication to me. Her Campus is the complete college experience.
Her Campus has changed my life and made me who I am today, and that’s not even close to being an understatement. This organization has brought me so much joy and a sense of purpose, and it truly opened my eyes for me to see my own potential. For that, I am forever grateful.
While my time as a contributing writer and member of UCF’s chapter of Her Campus comes to a close, I know my time is not finished. I am so excited to continue to grow with the company in the InfluenceHer Collective and Alumni Network. And who knows, maybe someday I’ll have the opportunity to work with them at HCHQ. One thing I know for certain is that my love for Her Campus will keep on growing as long as I live.
HCXO,
Lena