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Viewpoint

Resilience is “toughness.” As leaders, we need to make every effort to approach chapter growth with
a sense of optimism and humor. As the West Virginia State Organization president during the pandemic, I
will never forget the feelings that washed over me when I realized that the state organization convention
for 2021 would have to be virtual. Resilience was demanded of our team. As we planned and executed
the first (and, I hope, only) virtual state convention in West Virginia, we knew that it would be different
than any of the past conventions in our Delta Kappa Gamma history. It certainly would not look like the
conventions our mothers and grandmothers delivered in the past. The difficulties we faced demanded that
we be resilient and flexible and keep a sense of humor. In retrospect, the difficulties provided us with the
stepping stones for revitalization and growth.
Grit is also required if we are to understand that the different generations represented in our chapters
may share diverse points of view. Our goal as leaders is to provide each educator with the supportive
culture she needs in order to collaborate with others and see herself as a productive member of our Society.
It is important that we understand where the different generations can come together and where they differ.
When we offer varying viewpoints of current, new, and prospective members, our chapter strengthens.
Imagine what that could look like.
Our courage, conscientiousness, perseverance, and resilience will lead to passion. Passion makes
the difference between mediocrity and excellence. As we learn more, listen more, and lead more, passion
increases. If we accept that our chapters are both imperfect and growing at the same time, our grit will
ensure we build on what has gone before, embrace
new ideas for growth, and assure that our international,
state, and chapter organizations are stronger than ever.
Passionate people do not let anything or anyone stop
them from being oriented toward results.
Grit has the potential to influence a good
today and even a better tomorrow.

Arizona Cactus © Photograph by
Connie Savell, North Carolina; Fall
2023 Art Gallery

Dr. Glenda J. Wait, a member of Xi Chapter in West Virginia State Organization, has been a diagnostic remedial specialist, special education
teacher, director of special programs and educational services, and administrator. She was the superintendent of schools for Belleville
Henderson Central School in New York and served as an adjunct professor of educational administration at the State University of New York
from 2001–2004 and at Concord University from 2004–2008. Wait has served DKG in multiple roles at the chapter and state organization
level. glendawait@gmail.com

16 · Volume 90-4