WHY I STAY INVOLVED
I was in an Alpha Gam funk. As a collegian, I served on Chapter Council and Executive Council, attended all of the events, and did whatever I could to promote fraternity/sorority life on campus. Needless to say, I was burnt out by the start of my final academic term. Several years flew by as I started “adulting”—getting married, buying a home, starting my career, becoming a cat mom, etc. But as time passed, I missed being involved with the Fraternity.
As luck would have it, another Zeta Nu sister, Samantha Perrin Jackson, was serving as a remote Chapter Advisor for Zeta Upsilon–Northern Michigan University, and she was looking for advisors. I contacted Samantha and before I knew it, I was the Campus Relations Advisor for a chapter I’d never stepped foot in for a group of women I’d never met in person. Starting off, it was tough to get over the mental and logistical hurdles. I lived six hours from the campus, but Google Hangouts helped me connect with members almost as if I was in the chapter house.
While serving Zeta Upsilon, a was approached with an opportunity to serve as a remote Chapter Advisor for Zeta Eta–Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. At first, I was apprehensive as this was the complete opposite of my collegiate experience at a small liberal arts school in Michigan.
However, the more I thought about it, the more excited I became. Serving this chapter would allow me to meet new people, serve a new geographic area and experience Alpha Gam on a campus vastly different from my initiating chapter. I accepted the appointment after learning more about the chapter, and I am so happy I did. The women of the Zeta Eta Chapter embraced me with open arms, and we grew together for almost three years.
As I shared about my increased involvement with the Fraternity, friends, family and colleagues would ask me why I volunteered. They would often comment “You’re so busy,” or “Why a chapter so far away and different from your own?” These conversations brought an opportunity to reflect on my “why”—why I started to volunteer and why I continue to volunteer.
Connections – Alpha Gams are the best! I love that when I meet a new sister, we have a common bond and can easily start a conversation.
Julie Powers – As a collegian, Julie—also a Zeta Nu initiate—was my Chapter Advisor. Her commitment to the Fraternity was, and is, incredibly inspiring. Her mentorship inspired me to help shape and guide the future of our Fraternity.
Leadership skills – I would not be where I am today—both personally and professionally—without Alpha Gam. The training opportunities and guidance from sisters has helped me to learn and hone my leadership skills.
Meeting new sisters – Through my involvement as a volunteer, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting so many amazing sisters including collegians, fellow advisors, Volunteer Service Team committee members, IHQ staff, International Council members and fellow alumnae. These introductions have led to networking opportunities, culinary adventures and new friendships.
Alpha Gamma Delta is currently seeking advisors for various positions. Click here to apply.
Click here to learn more about open positions.
This post was written by Cairn McNicholas Green, Zeta Nu–Alma College.