"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He/She does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." —Douglas MacArthur 

This quote is one of the single most true and accurate statements about being a leader in your chapter. As a leader, there are a lot of strings attached with the job. In fact, there are probably more strings as a leader as there are attached to Pinocchio. 

Being a leader in your chapter is definitely one of the most rewarding and challenging things you can do during your college career. There are some difficulties along this new, unbeaten path of yours called leadership. This path can lead you so many places and it can start at any time while you’re in your chapter. It could be striving to build your chapter to a level that is even greater than where it’s at or you could just want to be a better brother or sister. When you become a leader in your chapter, you truly realize three crucial strings that come with your position. 

1. You are now a major face in your chapter. Whether you’re just hanging out at the house or going out for the night, people are going to recognize you. When they do, the first thing that will pop into their head will be your chapter. This can be a blessing and a curse at the same time; you could be seen doing community service and make your house look great. You can also be hammered at a date dash, throw up on the dance floor while doing the worm and look like a total idiot, in turn making your house look like crap. At the end of the day, remember that people are watching you and everything you do now relates to your chapter. 

2. You wanna know the coolest part about being a leader in your chapter?! When someone else messes up, it’s your a** that gets chewed out. In your fraternity, the chapter leaders will always be the ones to get chewed out and lectured for the mistakes of the chapter as a whole. This is definitely one of the toughest parts, especially when you first become a leader. Your member’s behavior is a reflection on yourself and that’s how the world will see it. Be strong, though, because this is your job; if you weren’t there to take the a** chewing, you wouldn’t have a chapter at all! 

3. You will become so much greater than you already are. Being the responsible one among your brothers/sisters is like being on an island in the middle of the sea. There are some crazy storms that come by and really shake up your day, but when the sun is shining and that ocean breeze hits you, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. Being a leader may be insanely difficult, but it makes you realize what’s important and you really do see yourself become a better person. Not only that, but also you will truly grow in so many ways--whether it’s the standards you hold yourself to, the values you hold or the network of people you know, you will see growth. 

There truly is a leadership role for everyone within a fraternity or sorority. It could be being brotherhood/sisterhood chairmen or president. Whatever it is, take it on! Because in the end, you will come out of that position with so much more than you ever thought. I can tell you right now that being President of my fraternity has without a doubt changed my life and put me on a course I never thought I would follow. Let me tell you, this new path is definitely the happiest path I’ve been on in a while. So the question now: do you have the ability and will to lead your chapter? Or are you just going to keep being a sheep?