By Emily Reed (Epsilon Upsilon, Mississippi State University)
When I first decided to become a chapter consultant, there were many aspects of the role I was excited for: I couldn’t wait to expand my skill set, grow professionally and build confidence in myself. Since accepting the offer and beginning this role, I have found all of my aspirations of what this job would offer to be fulfilled. However, there is one area of the role I did not think deeply about when applying– all the fun!
Being a chapter consultant has given me the opportunity to meet new people, see new places and try lots of new things. While there is so much fun to be found in doing the consultant job itself– whether it’s late night laughs during recruitment, watching executive board officers start to believe in themselves or helping a chapter pull off a successful event– there are even more incredible experiences that are available to you as a chapter consultant if you take advantage of them.
Since I was a little girl, a dream of mine has been to visit Niagara Falls. Growing up in Mississippi, this goal was not the most easily attainable. In September, I was given the chance to travel to Michigan to visit our Gamma Xi chapter. During my visit, I realized just how close I was to Niagara Falls in Canada and knew I had to make it happen somehow. Because of the flexibility of this role, I was able to arrange my meetings in a way that allowed me to drive into Canada one morning. I checked an item off my bucket list and saw the most beautiful view of the Falls I ever could’ve imagined!
As a chapter consultant with a traveling assignment, I am on the road constantly. Some months, I am in a new city each week! One of my favorite things to do when I am on the road is seeing which concert tours line up with my visit dates. I have always been an avid concert-goer and am so grateful to be able to continue that area of my life post-graduation. So far, I have been able to see Conan Gray, Shawn Mendes and Billie Eilish– three of my top artists!
Whether it’s completing bucket list items, going to concerts, trying new foods, bonding with sisters across the country or just being in new places, the fun that comes along with the consultant role is unlike any other. This job is so unique and filled with amazing opportunities.
My only regret when it comes to being a chapter consultant is not applying sooner. I am so glad I ended up taking that first step and am so grateful to work a job that I love for an organization that continues to add joy into my life every day.