You Time
We know that being a leader in Tri Delta can mean many different things. It may mean holding an officer position, or it may mean participating in chapter events, or it can even simply mean keeping a positive attitude. For example, a leader may be someone who chooses to arrive to a philanthropy event early to set up, or staying late after Initiation to put away the equipment thus setting an example for others. Whatever type of leadership you personally bring to you chapter, it is important to know that neither you, nor any one person, can do it all.
This can even mean being a little selfish sometimes... I know in Tri Delta we certainly cringe at the idea... but bare with us...
In Tri Delta we associate leadership with selflessness and doing what is best for the whole. For some members this means always putting in extra work and dedication. But you also need to be cautious not to allow this to make you feel like you are giving too much of yourself to the chapter. While the message of unselfish leadership is a powerful one, membership must also include some give and take in order to accommodate all of the individuals who contribute to the success of the chapter. If as a leader or a member in the chapter you are never setting aside time for you or if you're always giving of yourself to over compensate for those members who don't, then eventually you will burn out. You can't be 100% invested in your membership without giving 100% of yourself. But eventually you will not be able to give 100% in the moment if you have not taken any "you time" in the process.
Balancing this is a talent and takes practice, but as soon as you can let go of one or two things as a means to recharge your batteries, your productivity, dedication and attitude towards your experience will all be enhanced. We encourage you to remember this as Tri Delta collegiate chapters are heading into a new officers term with new responsibilities.
We asked a few collegiate officers how they recharge their batteries. It can be as simple as this:
"90 minute hot yoga sessions :)"
-Noel, Collegiate Chapter President, Virginia Tech
"I will sit in our chapter room and read minutes from the 1920's and so on. It's really cool to see what our chapter was going through back then and see how its relative to now!"
-Jacqueline, Collegiate Chapter President, Brenau
"I go to Starbucks every Saturday and Sunday morning... Just the drive to Starbucks is relaxing."
-Sara, Collegiate Chapter President, Oklahoma State
"I find dancing around to "oldies" music and singing at the top of my lungs with my sisters helps A LOT! Breaking out of the seriousness of being President helps me to relax and even dance out any stress I am having!"
-Kendall, Collegiate Chapter President, Millikin
"I like to read something out of the ritual book. I really enjoy reading the legends and seeing how that relates to what I am going through. It always helps me realize that being the CCP is not about our everyday struggles, it is about maintaining an organization that will be here for women for years to come."
-Mackenzie Braatz, Collegiate Chapter President, Kansas
"I have a mini-foot bath that I'm in love with, add some trashy TV and a sister and its heaven!"
- Brianna, VP Administration, Lake Forest
"I go running every day. I try to take an hour out of my day and just go for a run. It really helps me clear my head and be alone!"
-Pallavi, Collegiate Chapter President, UC San Diego
"I normally take time out and hang out with my best friend on campus that isn't Greek."
-Lauren, Collegiate Chapter President, Eastern Illinois
"I'm a twin and we are in different sororities (she's an Alpha Gamma Delta) and we have sleepovers once a week. I go over to her house and the next week she comes to mine. It's time for us to catch up on everything and vent about the things we're going through."
-Elsa, Collegiate Chapter President, Illinois State
"I play Intramural soccer and flag football to get some exercise in!"
-Elizabeth, VP Administration, Butler
"I read a book, or catch up on the latest TV shows. I lock my door, turn off my phone, and have some "me" time!"
-Amanda, VP Administration, Valparaiso
"45 min spin classes and my boyfriend and I always get dinner Sunday night (any night works) but it's our time that we try to be really consistent about when things get hectic so we always make time for each other."
-Lexi, Collegiate Chapter President, Loyola Marymount University
"Call me cliché, but I like to walk and sit out by the lake at least once a week (it's a little more difficult in the winter time...). There's something about it that is so calming and reminds me to take this time to relax for a little while. We're constantly surrounded by others and working endlessly to make our chapters the best they can be, while also focusing on our school work and other commitments, and so it's nice to get away from it all for a bit. The lake is a place where I can finally hear myself think, and regain perspective on why we're here and what's most important :)"
-Amy, Collegiate Chapter President, Wisconsin
