As I sit down to write this week’s Dear Dub, I realize that this is probably the last time I ever will. This commemorates the end of my Dub era in a way, and I would like to savor it. For those of you who may not know, Dear Dub used to be a real advice column where students could write into, and the Dub would answer and give advice about a variety of questions/topics each week. In honor of closing in on my final Dub days, and this column’s history, here are a few pieces of advice the Dub has taught me that I will carry with me throughout my next chapter.
If you can share, share!
Whether it is an egg, some weed, a Dana swipe, or a controversial opinion – share God damn it! The Dub has taught me that if one of us has some, we all do. Sharing is literally so feminist. Give a dog a bone! Share!
Ditch vertical leadership.
Unlike a lot of student organizations and theme houses, we do not have any type of structured positions within our house: no president, no secretary, no treasurer, none of it. When I joined the house, this sounded like mayhem. However, although this shared style of leadership abandons traditional hierarchies, it fosters a culture of collectiveness, compassion, and shared power. Get creative kids, we don’t want to run this shit like the U.S. Government.
Never feel embarrassed to dance.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. When I moved into 3 Uni, I felt mega uncomfortable in my own body. That sometimes made it hard for me to let myself be vulnerable and let loose during a dance party. Thank you Dub for making me play meow meow all night and interpretative dance to Enya. Dancing feels so good! Boogie!
Maintain high expectations for your friends.
Your friends are who you choose to surround yourself with. They should uphold the basic values you may have such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, or empathy. The Dub has taught me that it is my responsibility to call my friends in when I think they are doing something that has the potential to harm others, just as I would expect them to call me in as well. Surround yourself with people you admire!
Take care of yourself and ask for help.
Don’t be a tough guy. We all get (deep) down in the dumps and sometimes it’s really hard to get out. Don’t be afraid to call on your friends for support. Support your friends when they are down. Bada-bing, bada-boom.
The Dub has a special way of sucking people in and spitting them back out stronger, smarter, and honestly, hotter. Dubbers have been a guiding light for me during my time at SLU. There for me on my best and worst days, and always greeting me with love, light and wisdom. I feel like I have grown and learned so much about the world, my friends and myself in this space. I will carry these pieces of Dubism with me wherever I go, and I hope you might too!