Being the Change Agent: The Culmination of the C's

It's both a relief and a bit shocking that this quarter is already over.  With exactly one week left before I am done with my courses, I have already begun to pack up my clothes and belongings in preparation for my move back to Nebraska for the summer months.  But as I finished the rest of my reading this weekend while laying out on Oval Beach, I had a somber moment reading through the last few pages, knowing an end was coming to my Sophomore year.  It wasn't a year in which I took the hardest classes or did the most amazing things ever, but it definitely has been a year in which I have grown enormously in all aspects of my life.

The C's have always been a part of my life without much notice to them, but one that I've seen grow ingrained into my life and my persona has been Commitment.  My commitments to other student orgs, to Lambda Chi and the presidency, and to myself and my needs had been strained and tested throughout these past months.  But it has shown me my potential to assert myself in what I have passion for and to turn that passion into productivity.

When I first took over as High Alpha of Gamma-Tau Zeta, I felt like I had been flown out into the middle of the Pacific Ocean and told nothing more than 'good luck surviving.'  With sloshing waves cracking over-head, I had three options: drown in the overwhelming waters, tread water for dear life, or persistently strive to swim.  At times, I definitely felt like I was drowning: a rusty anchor, a dead hope, being thrown overboard.  But in remember my commitment to my Big and to the Former President, I earnestly tried to tread.  I grew stronger, and I began to get by more easily than I had previously thought was impossible for me: treading water was second nature.  And then I remembered why I became High Alpha: my love for my brothers, my love for Lambda Chi Alpha, and my advent belief in the good of Fraternalism and what it can do for humanity.  I began to swim.

Commitment as been something that I've always valued, but this value of mine has grown even more ever since being 'thrown out into the sea.'   I took an oath upon becoming an Associate Member of Lambda Chi Alpha.  I took an oath upon initiating as a Brother of Lambda Chi Alpha.  I took an other upon becoming the President of Gamma-Tau Zeta.  These oaths are all commitments that I hold true to my heart, and in failing to progress and make the change that is needed for my chapter to survive and prosper, I was ultimately letting not only everyone around me down, but myself.

I fervently believe that any body can create change, regardless of being a leader or not.  As I wrote in my chapter address to the Brothers, Alumni, Family and Friends, "Anyone can create change.  It requires not someone who is destined by the stars and God, a hero designed for our salvation; it requires not someone who will rule with steadfast wit and an iron fist, a tyrant with hoarse control; it requires a simple Man with hope, bravery, perseverance, and heart."  With the faith, hope, and love, anything is possible.  Using the C's as my guide, I have begun swimming to a new shore, a shore of innovation, productivity, and positive change for Lambda Chi.