It has been one hell of a year. There have been ups, downs, and everything in between. Since January I have been riding on some crazy roller coaster, half the time begging to get off and the other half praying it would never end. There have been lots of tears, laughs, anxiety attacks, all-nighters, and an over abundance of stress, but there have also been national trips, chances to grow as a person, and friendships that never would have formed otherwise.
To a non-greek, being the Vice President of Operations for a sorority probably sounds pretentious, preppy, and easy, but I'll be the first to tell you that it is far from that. However, it has been an experience I will never forget and one that I learned from more than anything else.
1. They're not resisting you. They are resisting the choices you have to make because of the title you hold.
Business and personal are two separate parts of life. Remember that. When your peers are shooting snide comments your way because of a decision you made, they're doing it to (insert position name here) , not (insert real name here).
2 . Don't do it to gain the popular vote.
Do what needs to be done to better the chapter, regardless of the reaction you are going to get from the sisters.
3. Ask for help.
The control-freak in me had a hard time coming to terms with this lesson. You know that saying, "it takes a village?" Well, it applies here as well. You cannot do it all on your own. Do not be afraid to reach out to people and delegate. There is more than enough perfectly capable women in your chapter that can step up and want to help out.
4. Remember why you did this.
Before you took this position you were sitting in elections freaking out, praying that it would be yours. Even at its toughest remember that. Try to keep that passion alive because you wanted this for a reason.
5. Find time for yourself.
This is a 24/7 job. You will get emails at 3 AM and phone calls, too. Remember that not everything is urgent. You can handle it tomorrow.
6. There will be challenges.
It is easy to look at previous officer boards and believe they were perfect, but chances are they weren't. They had their issues and you will have yours. Deal with them as they come to the best of your ability. That's all you can do.
7. Keep your cool.
There were times when I wanted to explode, but there needs to be professionalism. The women in your chapter are looking to you as a leader. You need to remember that while you hold that position. Keep your emotions in check.
8. Enjoy it.
It will be challenging, stressful, and tear-inducing. There will be moments when it feels like the entire chapter- the entire campus is out to get you, but there will also be triumphs. It goes by way too fast, so you need to enjoy every second because one day you'll wake up and it will be election day. New women will be sitting in the same position you were a year ago and it will be their time now.
Taking on this position has helped me grow. I have learned what I am capable of and it is much more than I ever thought before. It has made graduating and the real world slightly less scary. There was nothing better than seeing a sister succeed or watch something you created as officer board change the chapter for the better. I am grateful for the good and the bad because it has shaped me into the person I am right now, plus I have created some pretty awesome friendships along the way.
