During my junior year of college, I was voted into the position of president for my sorority, the Alpha Rho chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon. I knew I had what it takes to tackle the business side of the job, but the personal aspect of working with 29 girls with many different issues and opinions was something I had to adjust to. I thought I was good at time management and my relationships, but I truly learned how to work hard and balance friendships when I was president. Here are four extremely important lessons I learned during my time at the top of the ladder.
1. Take care of business, but take care of yourself too!
During my first few months in the role of president I wasn’t taking care of myself, I was taking care of all my sisters and our organization first. It took a major toll on me mentally and I had to step back and make sure that I wasn’t forgetting about myself when I was also thinking of my 29 sisters. These girls were my life, and I wanted everything to be perfect, but I couldn’t do that properly if I wasn’t watching out for myself.
2. Not everyone is going to agree with you.
When working with a large group of people, in any situation, there will be conflict. Not everyone is going to be on the same page at all times and sometimes you’ll have to make a decision that not everyone is going to be happy about. When I came into my role, my sorority was in debt to our national headquarters, and alongside my executive board we decided to raise dues to squash that debt right there, and the active sisters were, of course, upset since this debt was created many years ago before many of them were even in college. But, it was the right thing to do, and it made working with nationals so much better.
3. Being in a leadership role takes A LOT of time.
As president I was having so many meetings each week, I met with my executive boards, planning committees and greek life supervisors. I had a packed schedule. I learned how important a planner was, and how amazing calendar reminders can be. With so much on my mind at all times, I lived for my phone notifications.
4. It will feel so good to get things done, but you won’t always feel appreciated.
You will know how much work you are putting in, and the hours you will spend on your email and filling out paperwork, but the rest of your sorority will only see the mistakes and what you do in chapter meetings each week. Most of the role of president is behind the scenes, emailing nationals, having meetings and filling out paperwork. It will feel amazing to be checking things off your to-do list, but not everyone sees that list, and it’s up to you to realize what you are accomplishing and be proud of that. Remember to reward yourself and remember that you are accomplishing things in your role.
Being the president of DPhiE was something that was very hard, but so rewarding. I really believe my year leading these girls shaped me into the person I am today. I was able to rid my sorority of debt, change old traditions, and hopefully guide these girls to something amazing.