I didn't get the job...Thank u, Next!

Since I began taking classes at Northwest and started learning more about the wonderful world of Public Relations, I knew that I wanted to grab hold of any experience I could that contains elements of PR. So, when the thought of elections came to mind and potentially running for the position of PR Chairwoman in my sorority, I was giddy with excitement about the fact that I could combine the two things I was extremely passionate about at this point in college; my sisterhood and my dream career.

I began to prep, filling out the application extensively until it was nearly six pages in length. I bothered my mother with countless phone calls making sure I was phrasing responses perfectly and listening to her encouraging support (Moms are great for that sort of thing). I talked to the current position holder and gained new insight on the job and learned exactly what it would be like to be in this position.

It came time for the Slate Committee to meet, and I was over the moon with joy when I received the call saying that I had been slated for the position. This didn't mean that I automatically got it, but it meant that the committee saw that I would be the best candidate for the job. The wait was not over yet, I still had to wait for election night when the entire chapter would vote.

I must have practiced my speech a thousand times (a few hundred while on the phone with my mom), ran through possible questions and potential answers if asked by the chapter, and of course I was filled with a million and one butterflies in my stomach that entire day. Then, on election night, I gave my speech with passion, and answered each question asked by the chapter with honesty and authenticity. I was encouraged when I saw heads nodding in agreement to the list of my ideas on how to improve the position. I stepped out of the room for the deliberation and felt like I had just conquered the world.

But, I think, even then I knew. Deep down.

Deliberation took longer than I would have liked. That was never a good sign. And, as I was called back into the room, the floor was opened for nominations from the chapter regarding another sister who should fill the role as PR Chairwoman. Another sister, besides me.

To say I was devastated or heartbroken would be understated. I sat back down in my seat in utter disbelief, thinking that I had failed. I ran over all of my ideas in my head, and knew that they were great, so why did I not get the vote?

The night was long, lasting until 1 a.m. and a tired and depressed Maddie was awarded a different position. At the time, I will admit it, I cried for hours. I just couldn't believe my major, my internship experience, my work ethic, or my previous leadership positions in the sorority were not enough to gain the chapter's confidence regarding this position. It did not make sense.

Looking back now, I have accepted that although I tried my hardest, some things just aren't meant to be. Another amazing woman was awarded the position, and I know she will do amazing things within it to improve the image of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

I am honored to have even been considered for a position at all. The fact of the matter is that, although I wanted to PR Chairwoman more than anything, it was okay I didn't get it. It was okay that my chapter didn't see me fit for this position, or didn't understand how my ideas to gain more publicity and coverage for the chapter would be better for the organization. It was okay I didn't get what I wanted or what I have worked for the last year so hard for. It was okay.

I got another great position where I can still write, design, and create real authentic and creative stories about my wonderful sisterhood. I got a position that will allow me extra time to get involved in other areas of my college life. I have always been interested in applying for the on-campus St. Jude Executive Board to help raise money for children with cancer and their health costs, and now I finally have the time to do it! I also was approached by my boss at my on-campus tutoring job asking if I was interested in being a Supplemental Instruction Leader Mentor, which now I can be. In this role, I would be teaching other tutors how to be the best tutor they can be. Since I won't be spending time updating and creating content to post on my sorority's social media or sending press releases to the local newspapers, I now have the opportunity to apply to be a Gammi Chi, a disaffiliated member of the Panhellenic community who assists potential new members during the recruitment process to find their home away from home!

All of these new opportunities would have been rather difficult to accomplish if I held a big position in my chapter. So, the fact that I didn't get the position I so desperately wanted opened new doors for me and my future. No, the sky is not falling, although it came pretty close there for a minute. This was a learning experience for me, and I can't wait to serve my sorority in my new position while getting involved in other areas on campus. Life is too short to spend time moping about the small things.

Thank u, Next!

I painted this canvas using watercolor and acryllic paint, and when I need that extra push or words of encouragement during tough times, I look at this.