5 Ways Being an LC Changed Me
By Jessie Barton, 2017–2019 Leadership Consultant
I joined team #ZTALC in July 2017. When I reflect on who I was then compared to who I am now, I am so thankful for the ways this position has enriched my life. Things constantly change on the road, and I want to share some fun ways I’ve changed since my first day of training at Zeta Tau Alpha International Office.
1. I’ve cultivated my creative problem-solving abilities.
Do you know how to prepare an interview committee? Do you know how many Chick-Fil-A nugget trays you need to feed 200 women? Do you know how to file expenses? Coordinate a meeting between professional and social organizations? Build a castle out of cardboard? I didn’t. But after 16 months on the road, I can add all those things to my list of acquired skills. I can figure out how to do anything, basically.
2. It doesn’t feel as weird to make friends with strangers.
I promise I’m not just hanging out with strangers, Mom! (But I kind of am.) Each visit, I meet new ZTA sisters from across the country. I’ve left universities feeling like I’ve known my sisters there for years rather than for just the four days I was in town. That’s spilled over into my life outside of ZTA as well. I’m much more likely to strike up conversations with people walking around campus or standing in line at a coffee shop, which is so fun! #YesNewFriends
3. Speaking of coffee, I drink it now.
Before becoming a consultant, I never drank coffee. Life on the road takes you to some pretty Instagram-worthy coffee shops, though, so I had to indulge. I love visiting THE place for coffee in any college town. Small Americano, no cream, for me, please!
4. I’ve found those things that I love.
Over the last year and a half, I’ve had some time to really get to know myself. I found out that although they’re hip, I don’t really like boutique cupcakes, but I do love the band Cake. I know running gets my creative juices flowing and that I might not notice if I never sit in front of a television again. I’m surrounded by others often, but I take pride in knowing that when I’m not, I know exactly how to relax and do the things that make me happy.
5. I gained confidence in navigating the unknown.
You know that question that makes the whole room go silent? Yeah, you know the one. “What are you going to do after you graduate?” Your heart pounds as you question every life decision you’ve made up to this point, wondering how a 20-something-year-old can be expected to know what they want to be when they grow up. As a Leadership Consultant, every day and every week is vastly different; I never know what I’ll be doing on my next visit. I feel comfy in that space now. I’ve had a lot of practice not knowing what is coming next, and I truly believe that has prepared me for my next venture.
Because I took the leap to apply to be a Zeta Tau Alpha Leadership Consultant two years ago, I gained experience in a variety of areas that I could not have tackled in just one year after college by doing any other job. I love seeing the progress chapters make while I visit, but I am also so thankful for how rewarding this experience has been for my own personal growth. I’m thrilled to take these new skills on my next career endeavor!
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ZTA Leadership Consultant applications are open Nov. 1-Dec. 1, 2018. To learn more and apply, click here.