Fraternally, Andrew Jackson

Dear Lambda Xi Chapter,

Two and a half years ago I was wandering aimlessly through the campus life night parking lot in the blistering heat of late August. Accompanied by a few friends, who like myself, were at the event to score some free food, we were navigating through the crowds of people near each table, primarily looking for pizza. Then suddenly, a few brothers made eye contact with me and then asked if I was a business major, and gave me a flyer after our conversation. I was not looking to join a student organization, let alone did not even know what a professional fraternity was, so if you told me at that moment I would become president of the chapter one day, I would have told you that you were delusional. This was amplified by my following acts during recruitment, which included wearing gym shoes and wrinkled button-up to a professional event, and showing up to my interview at 9am instead of pm. However, what I soon found out was this was an organization that fostered growth, and a year and half later, I found myself running for president. The transformation was not done all by my own doing, rather by looking up to people who were older than me, receiving advice from brothers on a wide range of professional topics, attending tremendous, chapter sponsored, professional events,  and simply being a part of an organization that cares immensely about each member. In just a year long span of being a brother, I felt it as my duty to serve the chapter, and give back to brothers who have given so much to me. 

Fast forward to now, as my time approaches an end, I could not be more thankful for the experience you all have given me. To think that in just one year, I was able to represent us at our National Fraternities 52nd Grand Chapter Congress in Atlanta, attend Presidents Academy in St. Louis, being our seated delegate for our provincial meeting in Iowa City, and being elected our chapter collegian of the year, all seems fanatical. Thank you for putting your faith in me to hold the standard of Lambda Xi in highest regard at all these events. It was an incredible year, and while I am discouraged it was cut short, it is hard to be anything but grateful for the personal growth that took place, and for every moment that happened. 

Before I conclude, I want to give a few pieces of advice to any brother reading that has assisted me in getting the most of my experience, and has contributed immensely to my passion for the chapter. ​

• Go out of your way to meet and befriend brothers - Sit by someone new at chapter meetings, offer rides to members to events, ask individual questions about someone's interests, etc..This is arguably the greatest competitive advantage that Delta Sigma Pi has over other organizations, and you would be surprised how many people want to learn more about you. For me, this has been one of the greatest parts about being president. Having a reason to know all of you better has enhanced my time and proves why networking is one of the core principles of DSP and is extremely important.
• Step out of your comfort zone - Speak at chapter meetings, offer your ideas/thoughts/concerns to executive committee positions, and stand up for what you believe in. The only way you can grow is if you partake in moments that make you uncomfortable or nervous. Starting out in DSP, I was a subpar public speaker, and found my leg uncontrollably shaking in my seat before I would stand up. Now, my confidence has improved so much that I offer to speak for longer in group project presentations. This is just one example of improvement, and there are multiple ways you can build yourself as a brother. 
• Attend L.E.A.D. conferences - A number of my fondest memories as a brother have been made at these events, and I cannot advocate for them enough. I know that you have to pay out of your pocket to take part in, they can be in cities that are 6+ hours away, and you have to give up your weekend to go. I get it. However, I would be lying if I told you I ever regretted attending. This conference packs all of the great aspects of DSP into 3 days - inter-chapter bonding, networking with schools across the country, professional development, and more. I can guarantee that you will not only enjoy your time, but wish you had come before.  

Finally, I would be repentant if I did not give a few words of wisdom to our future executive committee team, and especially the president, Ryan Gross. ​

• Ask for help when you need it -  I know sometimes as a chapter leader it may feel as if you need to figure everything out by yourself, and be the one to come up with creative solutions and ideas. Speaking from experience, this is not the route to take. I have never met a more caring and supportive group of people, and I can promise that they will be more than willing to help you. In addition, it is important that you share vulnerability with your team, to let them know that you are human too. 
• Cherish every moment - There will be times where you are stressed, and feel as if you have too much on your plate. These instances are inevitable, but do not let them captivate the big picture. Your time will fly, and it’s pivotal you embrace the craziness, but never lose the appreciation of your time and family in Delta Sigma Pi. 
• Steer the ship - Finally, you are the captains of the ship now, so steer it in the direction you want to travel! Define your vision early, set your strategic goals, and then chase after them with a full head of steam. Leave this fraternity in a better state than what you found it in. 

With that being said, I cannot express just how much of a remarkable time it has been being president, as it has been a year full of accomplishment, growth, trial and error, and enjoyment. As we have seen numerous great new brothers be initiated, we also say our farewells to our tremendous seniors. Thank you to all the seniors for their guidance and expertise throughout this year, as your mark on the Lambda Xi chapter will not be forgotten. Next, thank you to the rockstar executive committee team of Kira, Sabrina, Elizabeth, Cassidy, Sarah, Brooke, Ryan, Jaclyn, Bridget, Ahren, Lauren, Peri, and Emma, for executing our chapters goals, believing in a vision, and placing us in a position of success. If any future employers are reading this, hire them. After that, thank you to Delta Sigma Pi’s national leadership team for allowing chances like this to be possible. And as a closing remark, thank you to the entire Lambda Xi chapter for making this the most fulfilling year of college for me. While I will miss reading ritual before the opening and closing of each meeting, this position has allowed me to solemnly swear that I know the difference between A.M. and P.M., and in addition to being able to know how to dress correctly for a professional event. 

Fraternally,

Andrew Jackson