C O L L E G I A T E A F F A I R S F O R L I F E !
Then came one of the most trying times in my term with national leadership . Within my first year as Vice President of Collegiate Affairs I was labeled a racist and was accused of not caring about our sisters as well as not representing our organization because I was a part of the National Administrative Council ( NAC ). It was like a stab in the heart . I had been working vigorously for years , making connections with our chapters to bridge the gaps between nationals and undergraduates , for it all to come crumbling down . How were we going to fix this ? How was I going to mentally work through this knowing that I wasn ’ t what I was being accused of ? During this time I was pregnant with my first child and I was extremely overwhelmed with the situation . I didn ’ t want to harm my son with the amount of stress I was being consumed with . While my intentions were being questioned , I was also professionally being challenged to find a solution to this misrepresentation . A few NAC members , myself included , dedicated much of our time to develop relationships with our divisions because we couldn ’ t allow the organization to fall apart . Saying that we stepped up falls short of the actions that were taken . How could we prevent this from happening again ? How could we gain the trust of our sisters ? We worked hours on end to review statements , policies , and guidelines . More than ever , we worked with a goal in mind to fix what felt broken . There were phone calls after phone calls , text messages , and emails as we worked 24 hours around the clock . We demanded change as our sisterhood demanded change . I reflected on why I joined this organization and it wasn ’ t because of its Christian values as come from various intersectionalities an Asian-Mexican American woman that is baptized Catholic but practices Buddhism . I am a free spirited California born and raised girl ( west coast is the best coast ) and joined this organization because of sisterhood and the values of Unity , Honesty , Integrity & Leadership . Insert pandemic . Literally what in the world just happened ? More than ever , our organization was being halted as the world was being torn apart . If this wasn ’ t a reality check , I don ’ t know what is . Our priorities changed and our division was concerned about the safety of our sisters . Everything became virtual and we were treading on grounds we had never trekked through before . The health of our sisters and their families were the most important thing at the top of our to-do list .
Our organization and our lives had to adjust quickly . If this pandemic hasn ’ t put things in perspective for you , I don ’ t know what could . In spite of the hardship , our leadership team worked diligently to support our chapters . We tried to provide accommodations in areas we knew could make things easier . The pandemic changed so many traditional practices within a heartbeat , yet we survived . Our national leadership team and our organization relies on our connection as a sisterhood . We serve as a support system for each other . This organization encouraged me to find who I am as a sister and as a mother .
It is vital to continuously guide each other and let NAC know when your chapter needs help . There is someone reading every single monthly report and utilizing it with representatives to get the help you need . It sounds redundant , but if you have questions , we are here to serve . No matter the time of day , email us and ask us for help , clarifications , extensions , you name it , we can be present for you . If there are things that you see in the organization that you don ’ t agree with , write a proposal for change . Change is what we make of it . It ’ s not up to Nationals to make the changes , every sister has the opportunity to discuss and write proposals for our organization . Exercise that right ! We also understand that time is of the essence and that fast responses may be needed . Please be patient as we juggle home and work life . It is all a healthy balance . The folks that lead NAC are volunteers and we will always make an effort to respond within 72 hours . If you don ’ t hear back by then , feel free to reach out to another officer . The division of Collegiate Affairs is always willing to guide our undergraduate chapters . In my years of leadership I ’ ve met some of the most hard-working , committed leaders within this division . My role as VPCA could not have been successful without our team of DCs , RDs , CDO , CLDO & SAO have become and will always be my family . CA FOR LIFE !