Passion and Commitment

 "Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, 

your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard

 for people to stop you" - Bill Cosby

Commitment is the base and foundation needed to start change. This commitment is driven by the passion within someone. Passion and commitment create the leaders of our world. By being passionate and committed you are less likely to burnout or resent the change project you are leading. But, how do you ensure that your commitment to change remains aligned with your personal values when, in a group atmosphere, you have several different opinions contributing?

 I personally always refer back to the core values statement of my organization to confirm that the plan of action mirrors the values and goal our founders set many years ago. Because I believe and identify so strongly with our organization’s values I can use the ritual book to remind others of our purpose in creating a change such as mandatory study tables. The ritual book has helped me become a successful leader who upholds values both personally and within the organization.

Contribution

“We are not here merely to make a living. We are here to enrich the world.” 

– Woodrow Wilson

One of the hardest things to accept when working with others is that everyone has different opinions. I cannot even begin to count the number of times the phrase “I agree to disagree” has left my mouth. However, one thing I have learned as president is that the values of Alpha Epsilon Phi are non-negotiable. So, what do you do when everyone lives out a certain value differently? Cooperation is key. Different viewpoints allow different paths to follow while living true to the values of Alpha Epsilon Phi. These different views only help others live the ritual to their fullest extent without feeling as though they are being told what to do.  My chapter has agreed on how to be academically successful: study tables. However, rather than just telling them to be at a certain place at a certain time we let them pick the date and time that works best for them each week. We also have “themed” study tables based on major so that these tables can also function as tutor time as well. Some girls have also formed study groups at their houses so that they can encourage each other during tough school weeks. The freedom within the “study table” obligation has allowed for each girl to contribute something they value in an academic environment to our chapter. The range of cooperation from simply having a buddy to walk with to the library to a tutor within our chapter proves that transforming personal values into shared group values will help enrich the chapter. Members can live congruently to what both they believe and what is written in the ritual book they strive to live by with just a little help from a fellow sister.

Values

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 "Happiness is the state of consciousness which proceeds
 from the achievement of one's values."- Ayn Rand

Values are what we hold to a high standard in life and are things that we were raised upon. Most people hold different things close to their heart. Values can range from faith to academics and can encompass many aspects. Many of my personal values are based upon things I learned throughout my elementary school and middle school years and are based on faith in my religion and its history. My values push me to be the best version of myself.

I want to thrive both inside and outside of school and make those around me proud of my success. I also appreciate the challenges I face that push me to better myself. Often these challenges center on my moral compass and I look to the values instilled in me at young age to guide my decisions.

Tangible signs help remind me to stay in check with my values: I wear a Hamsa bracelet everyday as a symbol of my religion and every time I look at it I remember the values I learned through my study of the Torah and life experiences. Looking at this small reminder helps me reflect on the decisions I made in the past few hours. Often, for me, this reflection occurs while I am running on a treadmill. As I run, I think of both the positives and negatives of my day and how I can improve upon the decisions I make. Running is my time for reflection and after a run I always feel better.