Sigma Delta Tau

Courtney Kristan is a senior at SUNY Geneseo, Gamma Chi Chapter. She is a member of the 2014-2015 Collegiate Leadership Team.

College is an incredibly exciting time in any young woman’s life. The opportunities that you take advantage of in these four years prepare you for the adult world we are thrown into after school. I can honestly say that joining Sigma Delta Tau and then becoming the President my junior year was the most beneficial aspect of my college years. Some may ask, “What about your academics, work experience, and other extracurricular activities?” While these aspects, especially academics, are immeasurably important, I could not have learned in the classroom the leadership and communication skills I acquired as President.

I fell in love with my chapter at the State University of New York at Geneseo after initiation and wanted to get as involved as possible. My first position was Public Relations and I went on to become Vice President for one semester when the VP at the time had to step down. Running for President was always in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t until sisters approached me and expressed that they thought I would be an exceptional leader that I gained the confidence and motivation needed to run. I encourage sisters at any chapter, if they know a sister who could lead effectively, tell them! Those sisters may not see the potential in themselves that you do!

People have asked me, “What do you do as President and how much time and commitment is necessary?” Besides the answer “making sure our chapter adheres to the National organization’s policies and ideals,” the answers to these questions vary. This is a position where things come up that are not in the position description. Flexibility is key. One week you may live and breathe SDT, while the next it is on the bottom of your to do list.

The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. My favorite part of being President was utilizing the strengths and grΣΔΤness of my sisters to benefit our organization. I made it known at the beginning of my term how much I valued and appreciated the rest of the Executive Board, Minors Board, and sisters who were always willing to help.

Also, as a Chapter President, you are invited to attend a National Convention or Leadership School. I was already passionate about my individual chapter, but after attending Convention 2014, I developed a passion for SDT on a national level and a drive to get involved in this organization. It is amazing to realize you are a part of something a lot bigger than your individual chapter. There are sisters out there who are having the same issues as you and others who have ideas to remedy those situations that you would not have thought of on your own. I found myself sharing ideas and developing a new excitement for SDT.

Convention is also where I first saw the Collegiate Leadership Team in action leading workshops and sharing their passion. A few months later I applied to be on the CLT and am happy to say that I am a current member of a team filled with 14 motivated, inspirational, and beautiful women.

If I had not decided to run for President, I would not have attended Convention, applied for the Collegiate Leadership Team, or have the desire that I have now to stay involved in this amazing organization beyond my four college years. If you are hesitant about running for President or have not even considered it, don’t underestimate yourself! Find the drive and passion in yourself, take a chance, and be an empowered woman!