Being President of my Sorority is one of the best decisions I made at James Madison University. It is extremely difficult but so rewarding. As Chapter President, my responsibilities include absolutely everything. I run Business Meetings, deal with conflict resolution, approve T-shirt designs, plan events, oversee officer positions, communicate with other chapters and so much more. Through this position, E-mails have become my best friend and I have at least 100 in my inbox at all times. (Currently: 130 emails) As President, every second of the day is consumed by Alpha Sigma Tau but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Being Chapter President has taught me so many things. It has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and into the unknown. It is when you step outside of your comfort zone that you truly grow as an individual and discover more about life and yourself than you could have ever imagined. When I look back on my term as Chapter President I realize that there were many things I wish I knew before I began. Here are 7:
- I will never again be introduced as Olivia. It doesn’t matter if we are at brunch with your parents or a Fraternity party, I will always be introduced as “The Prez.”
- With over 200 members you cannot (and will not) make everyone happy, and that is okay. It is okay if people are upset as long as you listen to what they have to say, the good and the bad, and fix what is wrong.
- You will make mistakes. You are not perfect and you should never pretend to be. Everyone makes mistakes but you must own them, learn from them and improve.
- You can never turn off your presidency. You have to be the same person Monday-Thursday as you are Friday-Sunday. People will come up to you with concerns on a Friday night so you must always have your Presidential hat on.
- The most important job in the world is inspiring and encouraging others. One compliment or positive remark can have the biggest impact on other people. As President my job is not to accomplish everything but to inspire and encourage others to have the confidence and willpower to do it on their own.
- You cannot move mountains in a day. Change takes time.
- Over-communication is key. You cannot say something once and expect people to understand. You must say it seven times and demonstrate it twice.
I stumbled upon your article on pinterest and was intrigued as I’ve been recently elected as my chapters president. It was great to read and see your also an AST! Best of luck in your presidency journey! TLAM from Gamma Lambda
Thank you Alyssa! Best of luck in your journey as President. It is truly one of the most amazing things you will ever do throughout your time in AST. Definitely let me know if you need any help or support! XO
I am working on filling out my application right now! I was very hesitant, but I absolutely love that you included that once you step outside of your comfort zone, you truly grow as an individual. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!! You will do amazing.
I’m so happy I stumbled upon this article! Chapter elections are coming up this month and I needed to hear this to calm my nerves. I was surprised that you’re an AST also! TLAM from Gamma Upsilon ?
Love that Desiree. Good luck!!
Just ran into this article on pinterest as I’m trying to get all of my ducks in a row for my presidential term. You make some very good points that I hope to take with me into my presidency and also to my executive board. TLAM from Epsilon Gamma and thank you for a great article!
Best of luck beautiful! TLAM!
Wow, just saw this article on pinterest. 100x agreed, as previous Chapter President I am super proud to have read and related closely to your words and own experience. Hope all is well sisTau!
TLAM
– Micaiah, Epsilon Theta
Thank you for reading! Being Chapter President was the most rewarding thing I’ve done – glad to meet more of them!