Page 70 - NSPDK 80th Eastern Regional Conference Workbook 2020

CONFERENCE THEME: “PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER: SISTERHOOD, EDUCATION, & CULTURAL RELEVANCY”
THE NATIONAL SORORITY OF PHI DELTA KAPPA, INC. • 80TH ANNUAL EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
The diamond goes under heat which feels uncomfortable. This is similar to when we receive
constructive criticism and have conversations to push our thinking. When under that uncomfortable
heat, it may also be when you are releasing some of the responsibilities you had for years and share
those responsibilities with sorors to get their ideas to help raise the level of engagement.
The diamond then feels pressure. This is similar to our Professional Development we receive at our
meetings and conferences. The pressure is also felt when we stand at the mic to share a concern, but
then are challenged to actually finding the evidence in our Manual of Policies and Procedures to state
our case. You see, the pressure is only helping us to become a better version of ourselves. For
example, the Professional Development this weekend taught us how to be better and more efficient
as an organization from using QuickBooks to keep a more accurate financial record keeping, to using
Google to allow everyone to see data and information live time to connecting on Zoom to conduct
meetings on a regular basis. You see Zoom keeps us connected from far and near. There is pressure
being applied because as an organization, we are uncomfortable (Please note: Being uncomfortable
is not a bad or negative feeling. It is simply a feeling. This is a feeling that is going to take us to the
next level). We feel the pressure to turn-key, implement and push each other forward. We feel
pressure to hold one another accountable. Although all of these things may sound good, it
sometimes puts us in a vulnerable space because of the unknown. Please note: In the beginning, I
said we must know our history - because this will help guide us as we continue to move forward and
go from good to great.
The pressure has been applied - NOW, the diamond gets cut. This is similar to taking on a growth
mindset and cutting out the negative thoughts from how we used to think.

So, if you are willing to openly receive constructive criticism, engage in and implement strategies
from Professional Development and cut out the old way of thinking to take on a growth mindset,
then you are ready to start the work of becoming an ELEGANT DIAMOND EDUCATOR.

Did everyone hear me? Let me repeat that: if you are willing to openly receive constructive
criticism, engage in and implement strategies from Professional Development and cut out the old
way of thinking to take on a growth mindset, then you are ready to start the work of becoming an
ELEGANT DIAMOND EDUCATOR.

Diamonds found in nature are rough and uneven. In order for the diamond to shine, it will go
through a process.

Going through this journey is supposed to be hard work. I am talking about the work of PDK. If it
weren’t difficult, then there would be no growth. There would be no resistance. It would be nothing
to force you to grow stronger and become better. This is our time to continue to grow and become
stronger and transform into a better version of ourselves. We evolve through the challenges,
successes, resistance and persistence. Nothing good will come easy but the truth of the matter is as
we continue to preserve, we will see the fruits of our labor. We don’t grow when things are easy.
We grow when we face challenges.
As we continue on this journey together with some of the following - sisterhood, increased
membership, and having productive youth groups in each chapter, please know that I am aware that
the journey will not always feel good. There will be times when we smile and times when we wipe
our tears. However, in the end, we will see the rewards in our organization. Our Founders started
something powerful. It is our due diligence to live out the mission. So, as we continue this journey, I
charge you to remember through the good and bad your WHY you are doing what you are doing
everyday…. THE CHILDREN!

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