"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." --St. Augustine

I am very excited to begin my job as a Traveling Leadership Consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha! Before I use this blog to let you all know about my adventures on the road, I want to explain what I will actually be doing. I know that working for a sorority, and even sororities in general, are confusing so I will start at the beginning: I joined the Iota Omega chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha at the University of Maryland in Fall 2007. I was so excited to meet a ton of new people and be able to take advantage of new opportunities (community service, socials, leadership positions, just to name a few!) through being a part of Greek Life. At the time, I had no idea how much my decision to join ZTA would help me grow as a person.

In typical Elise fashion, I was excited to get involved as quickly as I could. I took on the role of Community Service Chair the first semester I joined and then ran for chapter President the following Fall. My lovely sisters elected me into office and the craziest 12 months of my life began. Being chapter President meant that I oversaw a chapter of 100+ women and represented Iota Omega to the UMD Greek community as well as our International Office. Before or since, I have not had an experience that has caused me to feel excited, optimistic, annoyed, depressed, exhilarated and proud all in the same day (though I feel like this TLC job will give it a run for its money). It was a roller coaster, but I came out a stronger person, more independent and confident than I was before.

It was this experience that drove me to apply to be a TLC. I had such a great experience and Zeta gave me so much while I was a collegiate and I can't wait to give back by visiting ZTA chapters. So, what exactly will I be doing? Generally, I know that I will be living out of a suitcase, traveling from ZTA chapter to ZTA chapter all across the country. Sometimes I'll fly and sometimes sisters from the chapters I visit will drive me. Typically, I will be traveling and working alone, though there may be some time when I will be working with other TLCs. While I am there, (which will be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks+) I will help with recruitment, officer training, programming and basically anything else that is going on.

Before the chapter visits actually start, I will have my first TLC experience at our Convention in New Orleans! From July 6-11 I will, along with the 16 other TLCs, help out with the logistics of the Convention. I am very excited to see my chapter's delegates as well as meet the ladies I will be working with over the next year. Next, its off to Indianapolis, IN (the home of our International Office) at the end of July for 2 weeks of training.

Right now, I am savoring my last few weeks in College Park but also counting down the days until this next great adventure begins!