2004 Southern Region Chief Interview
The 2004 Southern Region Chief of the Order of the Arrow, Seth Dearmin, sat down with the National OA Web Site Staff to answer a few questions about the OA, his past involvement, and what he is expecting from this year's leadership position.
How do you feel to be a national officer? What do you find most exciting about the role?
I am thrilled, and completely humbled at the same time, to be representing the Southern Region. The opportunity to strengthen the Order by impacting fellow Arrowmen and strengthening various programs greatly excites me.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to meeting Arrowmen at lodge and section events throughout the year. I am also looking forward to the challenge of filling the shoes of the officers who have served before me.
What are your earliest memories of the OA?
My earliest memory of the OA is briefly attending the 1996 NOAC at Indiana University. I rode to Bloomington with my parents as an 11 year old, non-OA member, to bring my lodge its totem which had been left in North Carolina. The theme show I attended there sparked my interest in the Order of the Arrow.
What was your first leadership position, and what was the greatest lesson you learned from it?
My first leadership position was one that many leaders hold within our Order and that is the position of Chapter Chief. As Chief, I was able to work with that year's chapter officer team in order to earn Honor Chapter. The experience taught me that there are great benefits in a job well done; the chapter received a nice plaque and a free meal for all our hard work.
What is the coolest thing you've done in Scouting?
While I attended the National Jamboree in 1997 I was able to do some SCUBA diving. I would have to say that SCUBA diving was one of the highlights of my Scouting career right behind attending Order of the Arrow Trail Crew at Philmont as well as participating in Philbreak last March.
What makes you proudest to be an Arrowman?
I am proud to be part of an organization that connects me with thousands of other awesome folks throughout the nation. As a whole, the leadership and service we provide sets us apart from any similar organization and distinguishes us as an exemplarily group.
What awesome things have you done in the OA?
A few of my fondest memories are events including NOACs, Philbreak, OATC, Conclaves, and National Leadership Seminars. While at these events, I've experienced paddle-less canoe races, spam tosses, great training, and even a chance to compete for the national basketball championship. More importantly, I've had the opportunity to give back to the Order and to create and maintain meaningful friendships.
What makes the OA so cool?
The Order is great because we all have been given so many opportunities to have these great experiences. From Northern Tier to Philmont, we are able to give back while creating memories and friendships that make these opportunities so worthwhile.
Do you have any closing thoughts?
If you ever drop your keys in molten lava, just let 'em go, cause man, they're gone!
Revised 5/01/04
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