As a few of my sorority sisters and I prepared our pre-Thanksgiving dinner before heading home for break, we began discussing the roles we would play as kitchen appliances. Although our dinner didn’t turn out perfectly, we did learn that together, we make a pretty complete kitchen.
The Refrigerator
This sister is the one we can all count on to keep things cool. Often referred to as the Standards or Risk Management Chair, this sister has to maintain order within the chapter. She reminds the chapter of rules and procedures, and when someone is stressed, the Refrigerator sister knows how to calm her down. She often mediates discussions, listens to sisters who need to vent, and keeps the peace when chapter tensions arise. Like a fridge keeps fresh eggs from going bad, this sister knows how to uphold the rules, and keep members in line.
The Kitchen Sink
The sister to align most closely with a kitchen sink would most likely be the treasurer – not always appreciated like she should be, the treasurer is often met with a sense of dread, similarly to the way we would approach a sink full of dirty after-Thanksgiving dishes. Just like nobody wants to do the dishes, nobody wants to pay dues. However, we all know that it needs to be done at some point. The treasurer has the responsibility of keeping things clean, in that they balance budgets, maintain accurate and up-to-date records with nationals, and quite literally clean up any financial trouble the chapter might face.
The Convection Oven
Often times the chapter President, this sister knows how to cook the turkey perfectly. She knows how to guide the chapter, maintain positive Greek relations across campus, and complete all of her duties in a poised and polished way. Although she may not always know how to handle last-minute issues, she plays an important role in accomplishing the chapter’s goals when she has time to plan meticulously and thoroughly. As opposed to a toaster oven, the Convection Oven sister is responsible for handling the main parts of the meal: the turkey, ham, and pie. In other words, she manages big deals – national consultants, officer training, and dealing with the college administration. Without her, the chapter would be left with a bunch of tasteless side dishes.
The Microwave
I would definitely be the microwave. Unlike a convection oven, I don’t always get the job done perfectly – however, I do get it done. Although I don’t have a position in the chapter, I work well under pressure. Like a microwave, I am often relied upon to pull things off in both an efficient and timely manner. Similarly to a last-minute bag of frozen corn thrown into the microwave moments before dinner is supposed to begin, sisters often come to me for help when they need something done quickly. That said, I also heat up quickly – whether it’s when I’m stressed, frustrated, or annoyed, I can get angry from zero to a hundred within moments. Although a microwave may not result in the most delicious food, or it may heat it up too much, we all know that sometimes, you just have to put your food in the microwave. I’m pretty sure my sisters have come to understand this about me as well.
