First Year Chapter Reflection
- Brea Osborn
- May 1
- 2 min read
My first year leading a SADD chapter was a bit unusual. The first thing I did was try to recruit members. However, no one I talked to had ever heard of SADD before. So, I pivoted my focus. With a small group of people, including my advisor, we organized our annual Youth Summit. That’s where I found and recruited an 8th grader to help out and eventually take on a leadership role—allowing me to focus on the big plans my advisor and I have for the chapter.
I’ve learned that it really helps to have a plan before starting a chapter. Whoever you choose as an advisor should sit down with you early on and discuss your goals. My advisor and I have talked about starting chapters in each of the four schools around us. This has been—and still is—our main goal because it would allow us to spread SADD’s positive impact to a broader community. During my first year, I found a strong leader who is ready to take on a bigger role in our Seneca Falls school. This gives me the opportunity to step back a little there and shift my focus toward developing leaders in the other schools.
If my advisor and I hadn’t made a plan, I don’t think we would have achieved as much as we have. Looking back, it feels like I’ve been involved in SADD for more than a year because of everything we’ve accomplished. This program truly makes a difference in communities. One piece of advice: the year goes by faster than you think, so make sure to keep track of important dates.
At first, I was nervous. It seemed like starting a chapter would take over my life and make me incredibly busy. But I was able to find a good balance between my responsibilities. If you're looking to make a difference but are worried about the time commitment, don’t stress. If you communicate with your advisor and your state or national SADD leaders, you can definitely find a setup that works for everyone.
My experience working with the SADD network has been incredibly positive. Everyone I’ve met has been kind and understanding. That support gives me confidence and reassurance—it’s okay if I occasionally have to miss something.
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Learn more about starting your own chapter, or how to plan our your chapter's activities for the year at sadd.org/programs
I agree, Diana. In the Philippines, student-led hackathons or cultural festivals capture that same adrenaline as sports tournaments. There’s the build-up, the cheering, and even the heartbreak when results don’t go as expected. But just like playoff games, those setbacks make the victories sweeter. I’ve noticed how alumni often return to support younger students, much like fans backing a new team generation. That continuity shows how rivalry can transform into legacy.
What stands out to me is how student projects in the Philippines often take on a spirit beyond academics. I’ve seen campus teams organize events where preparation feels like training for a match—late nights, strategy sessions, and plenty of setbacks along the way. The pride when they finally pull it off mirrors that of athletes winning under pressure. It makes me think these “mini-rivalries” really teach resilience in ways a classroom sometimes can’t.
It’s fascinating how student projects can mirror the intensity of sports competitions. The energy, collaboration, and friendly rivalry push everyone to improve and innovate. Seeing campus teams in the Philippines channel that same drive really highlights how healthy competition strengthens skills and bonds. Moments like these show that growth often comes from teamwork, persistence, and embracing challenges together.
That’s such an interesting way to look at it — student initiatives really can feel like sports rivalries when there’s passion, competition, and a drive to prove what a group can achieve. I’ve seen it here in the Philippines with campus organizations that rally support the same way fans cheer for their favorite teams, and it creates that same electric atmosphere. It makes me wonder if the spirit of rivalry actually helps groups grow stronger. I found a piece on 1xbet that compares rising stars and playoff battles, and it really connects with that idea.
This reflection on a first-year chapter feels very genuine, especially the parts about recruiting, leadership, and learning through trial and error. It shows how progress takes patience and steady teamwork. Here in the Philippines, many student groups go through similar growing pains, so it’s inspiring to see these kinds of stories shared openly. It would be interesting to hear if anyone has examples of moments when student initiatives created the same kind of energy we see in sports rivalries or rising stars battling for playoff spots.