Lesson 5: Self
Why is Self one of Delta Zeta's six strengths?
Each individual represents Delta Zeta through her own personal actions. By respecting ourselves at all levels— academically, socially and morally — our actions will reflect positively on Delta Zeta.
It is each member's responsibility, consistent with our purpose, to do everything we can to act as a positive role model. No matter how insignificant a situation may seem to be, from taking a test, paying a monthly bill, running for a campus office to complying with the new laws about hazing, the outcome can reflect Delta Zeta in either a negative or a positive manner.
Through your membership in Delta Zeta, you will strengthen your character, build self-esteem, and come to know yourself. You will learn responsibility to yourself and others.
Delta Zeta offers members the opportunity to learn life skills that will serve you well beyond your college years.
Why does Delta Zeta want me to develop my Self?
Your personal image encompasses many attributes about you—your personal appearance, your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, your level of self-esteem and your overall self-confidence.
When all or most of these attributes have been developed, you will find it easier to transition from one aspect of your life to another. For example, going away to school is a life-changing event for most people. Those who possess a self-assured, positive image will be better prepared to cope with the change than someone who does not.
After college, you will find a noticeable correlation between a self-confident, self-possessed, positive personal image and a successful, rewarding career and fulfilling life.
Initiation requirement
"All members of Delta Zeta shall be chosen for moral, social and intellectual worth.
"It shall be the duty of each member to exemplify in her daily conduct the noble principles of this Sorority, to promote the welfare of the whole by every means consistent with a high sense of honor, to obey its laws, to avoid all conduct which may be criticized among acquaintances or be offensive to her fellow members, and to exert herself to promote and maintain the harmony and prosperity of the Sorority."
Delta Zeta Constitution, Article III, Section 3
As a collegian
In Delta Zeta, you will experience the opportunity to grow in roles that interest you: leadership, academics, financial management, public relations, fundraising, athletics and many others. It is in helping you realize your potential that Delta Zeta receives its greatest rewards.
Through your New Member Education Program and your participation in Sorority activities throughout your college career, you will strengthen your character, build self-esteem and come to know yourself.
You will learn responsibility to yourself and others. Delta Zeta offers you the opportunity to learn life skills such as time management, etiquette and habits for healthy living; valuable information that will serve you well beyond your college years.
How can I develop my Self with Delta Zeta's support?
Respect for Self
Each individual represents Delta Zeta through her own personal actions. By respecting ourselves at all levels—academically, socially and morally—our actions will reflect positively on Delta Zeta. It is each member's responsibility, consistent with our purpose, to do everything we can to act as a positive role model.
Cultivate Self-Discipline
You learn how to set goals in academics, service and activities and then learn how to attain these goals, always with the help and support of your sisters. You will also learn how to manage your time, which will enable you to decide what is important to you, and allow you to live a productive, fulfilling life.
Be a Leader
An effective and productive leader is a person of conviction and commitment. She has certain things in which she believes and she demonstrates her beliefs by her actions.
A leader has a commitment to a person or a purpose beyond herself that is conveyed to those whom she has challenged to follow.
A leader has the courage to accept responsibility, stand up to criticism and is willing to reassemble the facts in a more positive and meaningful way in order to find new solutions and new possibilities.
A leader is able to identify with others and bring out the best that they possess.
Mentoring support
There are many ways in which Delta Zeta supports its new members and initiates. Mentoring provides a unique way to help you develop confidence and strength as you welcome this new phase of your life.
Mentoring is more important than ever in today's society? Delta Zeta is a second family, a "home away from home" for many women, like you, who are on their own for the first time in their lives when coming to college.
Here are some ways in which Delta Zeta offers mentoring support to you:
Academic Mentor Program
See Lesson 2: Scholarship under "How can Delta Zeta help develop my scholarship strengths?" for more about this program.
The Big/Little Sister Program
Provides you, as a new member, with a lifelong friend who will help you during Lamplighting activities as well as through your collegiate years. The Big/Little Sister Program is one of the most rewarding and fun parts of Delta Zeta for both the new member and her Big Sister.
The names "Little Sister" and "Big Sister" do not connote a subordinate relationship between the new member and the initiated member. All Delta Zetas have the same privileges and responsibilities of membership.
Getting to Know Your Sisters
Some chapters might team their new members with an initiated collegiate sister as well as an alumna member. During the time of new membership, you can share ideas, feelings and discuss any problems that might occur. During this time, you can enjoy getting to know your sisters.
Creating my Personal Success
Use the Personal Success Guide in your Delta Zeta Planner to help you discover your mission in life.
Leadership
Delta Zeta recognizes the importance of leadership in today's world.
Leadership has been a hallmark of the women of Delta Zeta, inside and outside of the Sorority. Many of the Sorority's collegians are leaders on their campuses and will make significant contributions to their communities long after graduation. The Delta Zeta Foundation helps fund important educational and leadership programs for both collegians and alumnae. You will benefit from these programs as you build your leadership skills.
The Harper Endowed Lecture Fund, established by the generous gift of Carol Sharpe Harper ΒΓ, sponsors speakers and lecturers who present educational topics, encourage interactive discussion and provide learning opportunities beyond the lecture itself.
The Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conferences provide valuable leadership education for collegians and alumnae. Collegians become strong and confident leaders on their campuses. Alumnae benefit from programs that enhance professional and personal development.
Convention Workshops sponsored by the Delta Zeta Foundation provide education in areas such as academics, risk management, leadership and philanthropy.