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.