I remember the first day of recruitment like it was yesterday. I could hear all the chattering outside the doors as I waited in the hallway with the other potential new members. Then the door burst open with a chorus to follow.
The first time I took a position it was the November following my acceptance into ZTA (Zeta Tau Alpha). I took on the roles of Director of Activities and Junior Panhellenic. Following that, due to situations, as a freshman, I became the ritual chairman. Launching my extended stay on the Executive Council. I have served as Ritual, VP of Programming, and VP of New Member Coordination. However, starting next November during my senior year, I will no longer be a member of Executive Council. I will be a regular chapter member, with no duties or obligations.
Some of you are probably thinking that it's my chance. My chance to do what I want and not care about the decisions being made. That I no longer have to stress about if the choices I am making will better the chapter and its future. How great it will be to be able to be the members that waltz in late to every event and hungover to chapter. But you would be wrong.
I have spent the last four years of my life dedicating time and sleep to my chapter. I have had sleepless nights planning Bid Day. Not to mention the several times a Programming or Executive Council has reached out to me in tears about stress and I came running with wine. I have been voted to receive “Zeta Lady” and “Themis” awards that distinguish the honor of being acknowledged for all the hard work.
So no, I’m not “excited” about being a lame duck.
I look back on my accomplishments and I have seen the change in myself. I have seen my chapter grow stronger with every passing year. I look at the family tree that I have, that started with just three of us. Now it's booming with eight people, and me being a Grand-Big. I am proud of my chapter and I know that though it may be difficult for me to leave next Spring, that I am leaving with it being in more than capable hands. Hopefully, in 20 years I will be able to visit it and tell them all the stories of how it used to be. Until then, I will enjoy the time I have left guiding the chapter. Maybe I'll be able to touch the hearts of the new members I teach and pass down an ounce of the love I have for ZTA.
ZLAM
