Freshman women gather for Signing of the Book
Women of the Erskine College Class of 2019 met in the Bowie Arts Center August 24 for the 92nd annual Signing of the Book, reciting the school’s honor pledge and adding their signatures to those of generations of freshman women.
This year’s speaker was Schadell L. Brooks, an admissions counselor and member of the Class of 2013. She outlined “five truths,” and told her audience, “I pray that these truths resonate with you and uplift you whenever you begin to experience moments of uncertainty and self-doubt.”
Brooks told the young women that they deserve respect; urged them not only to be confident, but to be a person in whom others have confidence; encouraged them to be generous, especially with their time; advised them to pray for wisdom and discernment; and assured them that although “there’s no such thing as a perfect woman,” “you can constantly strive to better yourself.”
Recalling experiences of generosity shown to her during her college years, Brooks spotlighted times when someone “set aside their homework to encourage me or…listened to me cry over some guy who hurt my feelings.” Such generosity creates “the moments that matter and build relationships that last long after college is over,” she said.
Stressing the importance of praying for wisdom and discernment, she admitted that for her, answers did not come immediately—she is finding direction even now. “It’s taken me these two years of working in various jobs to realize that my heart has always been with young women and with music.”
Brooks told the freshmen, “You’re not going to have everything figured out right now and honestly, no one expects you to. As you navigate through college, pray for the Lord to lead you. He will show you the path He has created specifically for you if you’re simply willing to listen.”
She offered some final words to the women: “Fear the Lord. Know your worth. Respect each other, and most of all enjoy these next four years!”
Tobe Frierson, director of institutional admissions, provided music for the event, and several seniors participated in the program.
Amy Burton, chair of the Erskine Entertainment Board, welcomed the freshmen; Student Life Assistant Clara Formby gave the invocation; Kristen Craft, vice president of the Student Government Association, introduced the speaker; Judicial Council Chair Kate Macsay led the honor pledge; and Orientation Intern Anna Raquel Robison conducted the Signing of the Book.
Following the signing ceremony, Affinity and Tradition Intern Cali Colbert led the singing of the Alma Mater; SCA President Autumn Horne led the closing prayer; and Deandra Turner of the Executive Student Leadership Team adjourned the meeting.
See more photos here.
