Reflections from a NURF legend

Jun 6, 2017
3 min read

As the year comes to a close and my new co-directors have fully transitioned into their positions, I have been asked to reflect on my time with NURF. I’d like to break it up into two sections: what I learned while leading NURF, and what I hope I taught my fellow members.

What I learned through and from NURF

NURF was by FAR one of the biggest learning experiences of my college career. What many of you may not realize is how different NURF was when I first became co-director. I arrived as the campaign to sign the commitment just started heating up. I suddenly had to help plan and lead meetings with administrators (picture rooms of white, middle-aged men and a group of undergraduate women).

NURF taught me to advocate for myself. Asking for and convincing people to give you something you want is not easy, especially as a woman. We are often trained by society to be more polite, to avoid offense or pressure. The men in those rooms had no problem saying what they wanted to say, even if that meant shutting me down. It took me a while to learn the importance of confidence, even if that means feigning it at first. If we hadn’t of come into those spaces with the high level of professionalism, preparedness, and confidence that we did, the commitment would not have been signed by today.

NURF taught me how to argue and present a case for anything. I learned to shift my selling points from those that mattered to me (i.e. social justice causes) those that mattered to my audience (in this case, publicity and money). Our thoroughness with these topics definitely contributed to our success in signing the commitment.

NURF taught me the importance of passion and conviction. I was willing to take on the leadership role only because I was inspired by the passion of my predecessors, Miranda and Colleen. I had always been one to work hard and give all my commitments 100%, but before NURF I didn’t understand wanting to commit myself and give that level of effort to an extracurricular activity. But I saw the deep passion Miranda and Colleen had and decided to give it a shot. In the end, the work I did for NURF is some of the most important, significant, and rewarding work I’ve done at NU.

What I hope I brought to NURF (and if not, better late than NEVER)

Be unapologetic. My belief is to always speak your mind and be honest but kind. Especially all my ladies!!!!! Men take and say LITERALLY whatever they want!!!!!!!! If you want something ask for it. Literally F**K what anyone else thinks. If they think it’s unusual or offensive, do it more.

Be honest with yourself. You can make excuses or lie to others, but don’t do it to yourself. We all suck in various ways, but if you can own it to yourself you’ll be fine.

Help each other. It will get you more friends and (more importantly) make you more happy!

Spend your time doing what’s important to you and what makes you happy. Don’t waste your time in lame activities, or do things just because other people are or they look “good” for whatever reason. Life is too short to waste it doing that shit, and you can get so much out of doing anything you enjoy and believe in.

Always be curious. Ask questions, engage in discussions, work to understand the world and people around you.

Don’t fall into monotony or complacency. Always look for ways you can continue to push the boundaries. (THIS APPLIES TO ALL OF YOU, NURF – KEEP WORKING TOWARDS THAT 20% AND CONSTANTLY REEVALUATE HOW YOU’RE DOING THAT OR WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO BEYOND THAT).

Thank you for giving me another platform to preach my agenda (it’s the best parting gift you could’ve given me), and thank you all for teaching me so much and supporting me throughout this journey. I have complete faith in those who I’m leaving NURF to, so don’t let me down!!!

Best,

Kara

From all current NURF members, thanks for your hard work, incredible drive, and inspiring confidence, Kara.