On one of my first visits as Tri Delta Field Consultant, I had a very memorable, candid conversation with a chapter member that still resonates with me today. When talking about the biggest lesson that Tri Delta teaches our members, in a very matter-of-fact manner she said, "Well, I don't think it is an accident that 'delta' (D) means 'change' in math." I paused, a little caught off guard (also trying to channel my freshman algebra class curriculum). Then as we spoke further, it was clear that she meant that just like all things in life, our Tri Delta membership is always changing and evolving, and sometimes this change may need a little T.L.C.
I carried that lesson with me through my travels (and quoted her a lot), constantly noting the change Tri Delta is making through continuing to be the progressive organization that we are proud to be. However, along with this chance to recognize how far Tri Delta has come, I was also offered opportunities to see where we could use some updating and change as well. I will be honest when I say that sometimes I ran into some frustrating situations, hoping for the perfect officer resource to be on Deltas Only, a program to help our students with healthy confrontation or even simply the perfect icebreaker to open my chapter wrap-up.
After spending a year recognizing the need to continue this change and progression in our organization, from the practices in place, to the programs we provide, joining The Center staff was an overwhelming breath of fresh air. The first question someone asked me upon my endeavors as the Chapter Resources Coordinator for The Center was, "What do we need to provide for our collegiate members, and what needs to change in order to do this?" Now two years later, I am very proud of the resources we have been able to provide, and I often find myself saying, "I wish I would have had this resource or chapter activity up my sleeve during that FC year." I am proud of The Center's work that allows Tri Delta to continue to offer relevant and unique programs. I am also proud of the topics we are willing to talk about and our priority to stay attentive to the current trending needs of our members. I truly believe that the FC experience is one of a kind and completely credit those lessons on the road to my ever-growing appreciation for the work of The Center. There is nothing better than hearing a member speak about a compelling experience during an education track at Convention or using our tools to conduct a stellar chapter retreat. I remember similar "ah ha" moments on the road, and it is a pleasure to continue to contribute as a staff member for The Center in this way.
As The Center continues to grow as a foundation committed
to educational resources and leadership development, we hope to continue to
generate support from former Field Consultants who can relate first hand to our
goals and initiatives.
