With the new year, new decade, etc., comes a lot of “new.” For me, there is a new chapter in my sorority life, as I embark on the second chapter in my advising career. I spent 6 years advising the chapter of my sorority that was in Chicago, and stepped back shortly after I had Little Man. 6 years with not a lot of progress, and a lack of communication from the other advisors and the chapter and I was just done. I was burnt out, and I did not enjoy it anymore. So, I decided to take some time away and take a break from daily work with the collegiate members.

I had been involved with the local alumnae chapter for a while, and kept that up; Little Man loved going to see his aunties each month. I got a lot out of the events as well, but unfortunately, I’m now 6 hours away! I still manage the group’s FaceBook page and group, but I miss them. I did find a new alumnae group up my way; the majority of the women are 2.5 hours away, though, so I don’t know how active I can get with them. Once the weather gets better, I will definitely make the trek into Minnesota to meet these women and attend events, but right now, with winter in full swing, I’m more of a “cheer you ladies on via FB” member of the group.

Anyway, back to my new chapter in advising; I have a new chapter to advise! It is not the chapter I initially reached out to HQ about. The chapter I will be advising is 3.5 hours away, so I will be doing my advising mostly remotely. Thankfully, I have Google Hangouts and Zoom to be able to have video conferences, and I always am available via text, call, or email. I’m really looking forward to this, as I will be working with the organizational development chair covering risk management, discipline, and event planning. This is right up my alley, and I cannot wait to get cracking! I even broke out a brand new journal I had bought last summer that was just sitting in my sorority bag, waiting for a reason to open it. Well, it is my new advising journal. 😀

Anyway, what new chapters are you opening this new year? It doesn’t have to be something major, the small chapters can often times be the best!