Dear Leader, Nervous Developing Leader, Exceptional Executive Board, Passionate President, etc., etc.,

First of all, congratulations. You did it. Honestly some of you might not even know what you did exactly, but your personal chapter saw something in you. A spark. A positive influence. Maybe even just a glimpse of hope. Exactly what the chapter needs to continue their striving legacy.

To the Leader, yes many of you probably stood there proudly around election time and knew you had it in the bag. You're the kind of person that will jump at any opportunity, and you love leading your chapter to greatness. But just because you're not afraid to say your honest opinion doesn't mean you shouldn't step down and hear other members' thoughts as well. Being a leader in a chapter takes courage absolutely, but you also need to know when to lead and when to follow. Remember this in your new positions. Don't think of it as a title. Think of it as a new world of opportunities in your sorority or fraternity to grow your leadership and help others who are struggling to find theirs.

To the Nervous Developing Leader, yes I know how all of you are feeling. Some of you might be new members, just joining the sorority or fraternity for the first time and not really sure exactly what the hell you're getting yourself into. Now you were just handed a position, not a ginormous one, but still an important one and you're absolutely terrified. Don't worry. Believe me. You were handed a small leadership role for a reason. The chapter saw potential in you and that's an incredible feeling. Although you may not have all your ducks in a row when it comes to Greek life, your sisters or brothers won't let you fall. They are preparing you to be a positive position-holder, executive board member, etc., when you develop your leadership skills in the chapter. You are the future. However, don't let your first position go to your head, because thou giveth and thou taketh away. Be proud, but stay humble and you will do exceptional things. I guarantee it.

To the Exceptional Executive Board, congratulations. You fought, prayed, and dreamed for these positions and so did many other brothers or sisters. As the excitement dies down and the stress builds up, remember the handful of brothers or sisters that would've killed for the position you hold right now. Use this as your motivation each and every day. You will be working very closely with your other Executive Board members. Get to know each other, throw away the differences, and work as a team. Because the chapter is counting on you. And yes there might be some bitter members that can't wait to see you fall, but don't give them the opportunity to even witness that. Keep calm and lead on. There will be times you'll have to be the "bad guy," yes. You might create rocky friendships or have to discipline your best friend, little, or roommate, but don't let it get to you, as terrible as that sounds. You must stay true to your position and remain unbiased based on any incidents or friendships. You may have some big shoes to fill, but you have an exceptional year ahead and you were chosen for that position for a definite reason. Good luck.

To the Passionate President, the ball is now in your court. You may have dreamed about this, never saw it coming, or are still wondering if it's some kind of sick joke. Before you is a world of opportunities. You might not even know exactly what you're getting yourself into, and that's okay. Because you were chosen for this position for a reason, just like everyone else. The chapter chose YOU. But don't let the title go to your head. Be humble, stay grateful, and focus on the end goal: to continue to propel your sorority or fraternity chapter to greatness on your campus. OK, now that's a huge goal to focus on. Let's start smaller. Contemplate and think of issues, topics, or areas that need to be fixed in your chapter. Work little by little and everything will work out. There will be times where you'll doubt yourself, where the stress will build up, and you'll just want to give up. But just always think back to this time, when your brothers or sisters all congratulated you, told you how excited they were, and couldn't wait to see you shine. Your chapter is there for you through thick and thin. Don't give up.

To everyone, it's time to take charge for your responsibilities, love your chapter, and lead on, no matter the position or title. Everyone is in it together. And yes the first official meeting with the new Executive Board may go a little slow and shaky, but stay patient and understanding. Together as a chapter we will expand new ideas, build new events, and create everlasting memories.

Here's to the new 2016 Executive Board of Greek chapters everywhere.

Congratulations and best of luck.