ADPi Academy 2025 - Kameron Jackson

Leadership has always been something that I am extremely passionate about. I have always felt humbled and empowered in positions that allow me to guide others. Joining Beta Psi in 2023 only deepened my passion for leadership, so I was thrilled when I was appointed to be the Vice President of Member Development for 2025. 

The first few weeks of my position were overwhelming. I was given lists of tasks to complete, processes to memorize, numbers to contact, paperwork to fill out, etc. To complicate matters further, I was told that the entire member development process was going to change at the start of the new year. Higher leadership in the chapter always answered my questions about my role to the best of their ability, but I was reassured constantly that I would learn all I needed to know at ADPi academy, a conference for executive boards to receive education on their positions, so I anxiously awaited to attend the conference. 

I flew to Atlanta, Georgia alongside nine members of our executive board at the end of January to attend what ended up being one of my most favorite experiences in Alpha Delta Pi. When we arrived at ADPi academy, we were warmly welcomed by leadership from Executive Office and given an overview of what our next few days would look like. 

We were then split into groups based on our positions. I entered the Member Development breakout room feeling slightly anxious. I knew no one and was not sure who to talk to or where to sit; however, this changed quickly as a group of girls smiled at me and asked me to join them. We began chatting quickly, exchanging laughs and stories. We all wore t-shirts that represented our respective schools–Florida State, University of Miami, Georgia Southern–indicating that we were all from different places and did not know one another before now. Despite this, all of our interactions were friendly, natural, and uplifting. 

Our educational portions of our breakout sessions began, and they were even more productive and insightful than I could have ever hoped. We were educated in depth on all things member development, as well as given the opportunity to give and receive advice and/or feedback with other VPMDs. After these educational sessions throughout the three days, I felt more prepared and supported in my role than I would have ever imagined possible. 

Although I am very thankful for the education I was given regarding my position, it was not the best part of my weekend. My favorite moments were those spent with the women of Beta Psi. Whenever we were not in our respective meetings, workshops, educational sessions, or any of the scheduled programming, we spent our time together. We shared many laughs over plane rides, nightly sweet treats, coffee breaks, story-times, and every moment in between. Though we all knew each other before the trip, we grew even closer and developed an even greater understanding for one another, which is critical in establishing a strong, united front as our chapter's leadership. 

ADPi academy was truly an amazing experience. Not only was I able to learn how to effectively execute my duties as an executive member of Beta Psi, I also was able to strengthen my friendships with the girls around me. My weekend at ADPi academy gave me confidence in my abilities as a leader, as well as affirmation that I am loved and appreciated by the women in my chapter.