Being a
newer graduate and alumni in the fraternity and sorority world can be
hard. You are now in the “real world”
and can see connections between activities and learned skills from
organizations and employment. When you
are no longer in a chapter meeting you can observe the silliness of squabbles
and solutions that may not come to those in the thick of it. It is hard to resist the temptation; however,
it is necessary to recognize that individuals deserve the experience to make
those connections on their own as well as find their own solutions. That isn’t to say when an opinion or help is
asked for to ignore it, only to wait until it is asked for before
assisting.
Over the past two years of being an
alumnus, this balance between active life and alumni life has been quite like
standing on a precipice. Struggling to
stay out of affairs of the active delegation, while supporting them in any way
possible. If I could give any piece of
advice to newer alumni it would be: keep your friendships with your sisters and
brothers and keep business out of it. If
and when the active delegation needs something, that strength within the bond
and your friendship will allow them to ask for you help. If I could compare the experience to
anything, it would be to seeing a new kitten walk, it seems so simple to
someone who has mastered walking (though sometimes gravity disagrees); but to
that kitten this is new and exciting.
Every active deserves the new and exciting experience just like that
kitten; and like you (the alumni), the kitten will master it eventually given
time and the right support system to help when needed.
Kat Tribulski
VP for TBS of NEDAA
Life Member of TBS #2861
