HELP! Election Stresses!!!

[ADPiViolets]

Hi Ladies,

I really need some good opinions.
I am running for NMC, and have wanted this position since I myself was an Alpha. I am now a junior, and would have this position my senior year.
I love the idea of being able to educate new members about my sorority, which I love SO MUCH. I want to welcome them in with open arms, to put to rest any fears they might have and answer any questions.
Since I have been telling people that I am going for NMC, I have been receiving mixed feedback-- the majority of which is negative. It is not negative to me, but to the position of NMC all together.
Everyone tells me that it is a HUGE time commitment, and that I shouldn't go for it unless my school schedule will be accomidating to it. Quite honestly, I have heard more negative things about it than positive. They tell me about how the past couple of NMCs have been completely overwhelmed and stressed out, and that they don't realize just how much work it is when they take the position on.
So now, I think I am questioning my ability to be our chapter's next NMC. I am torn, and have no idea what to do.
We are at total, with 50 +1 girls in our chapter. The largest group in our chapter is the seniors... about 20... all of which will be leaving this year... meaning, we'll be taking a very large amount of girls during recruitment next year.
I don't want my grades to suffer. I understand that every position is a responsibility, but I don't want to be continually busy with a new position. Yet should I give up this goal that I've had since I was an Alpha? Perhaps I was only looking at it through Rose-colored glasses.

What should I do?

[kayla_adpi]

adpiviolets,

i can understand what you are going through. taking on any office is a responsibility within itself. although everyone keeps saying how difficult a task it would be to take on the position of NMC they could also be quite wrong. with every person the amount they take on affects them in different ways. some individuals can only take so much responsibility and others are fine with a lot. really you are the only one who can make the decision on what you want to do. but first you should ask yourself how it would affect you. do you think you can do wonders with the job of NMC which i'm sure you can. especially since you have wanted to do it since you were an alpha yourself. the job does have a lot of responsiblity because you are taking on new alphas and teaching them the same things you were taught when you were an alpha. considering the fact that this is something you really want to do i'm sure you will find time for it. you may just have to adjust your schedule around a little to work things out for yourself. from the way it sounds though this is something that you would absolutely enjoy and i don't think you should give that up because of the negative comments you have heard because there are plenty positive comments that outweight the negative ones. just keep thinking of what all fun ideas you can do with these new ladies and how much they will look up to you. its such a great experience that i myself want to do before i graduate. i think you should go for it though....g'luck in whatever you decide. just remember think things through carefully. i hope things work out for you...sorry so long.

pi love,
kayla

[honeychile]

ADPiViolets,

I don't know if it's the exact same thing, but I was Pledge Education VP when I was a senior. It's hard work, and worth every minute. You'll know it from the minute you hear "your" alphas quote you!

I interview people as part of my job. When I see (or find out) that someone was active in her sorority and decent grades, I know that she has good time management skills.

Good luck & have fun!
honeychile

[sweetie adpi]

adpiviolets,

coming from a former nmc -- nmc is THE most rewarding position... it's perfect for someone that loves their chapter and adpi and wants to instill those qualities in the new members. it does take time and even moreso, consideration on your behalf of the alphas and their needs/confusions/anticipation of what they are going through (some chapters used to call it being the alpha mom, but at districts they said that name connotes hazing, but it kinda gets the feeling across, you're almost like a mom to them!), but like i said, i think it's the absolute best position in the chapter.

something that is extremely helpful in the longrun cutting down on all that time is PLANNING. make sure your past nmc has good plans of alpha ed and everything else that you would need as nmc. these plans HAVE to be turned in to your TME director, so make sure you get a copy!!!!!! it will help so much! make sure you incorporate prides and officers into alpha ed or lunches or dinners, too! that can take a load off as well... give them assignments for things to teach during alpha ed...... well anyways i could go on forever.... if you get the position let me know i have a million things i could forward you for ideas and supplements!!!! GOOD LUCK! I HOPE YOU GET IT, AND DON'T LET ANYONE GET YOU DOWN! YOU ROCK!
pi luvin,
~jenaya