I joined Phi Sigma Pi the spring semester of my sophomore year. Simply put, I was looking for something new. For an organization I could be involved in and gain a few new friends in the process. What I found was a family, full of caring and inclusive individuals who would be there to support me throughout the remainder of my college career.
Growing up in a small, sheltered town I tended to be rather shy and while I was very involved in school, it was in the same programs and activities with the same people I had been in school with since kindergarten. Looking to get involved as a college freshman, I sought out similar groups with similar people to the ones I had stuck so closely with at home. It was not until Phi Sigma Pi that I realized how desperately I needed a change. At the very first information session, I sat in a room full of people and just looked around as I listened to introductions. I quickly started to realize how different each individual in that room was, not just from me, but from every person. Sure, there were groups with similar majors or people from nearby hometowns, but I was struck by the individuality of each person sitting in that room, and the bond that they had between each other.
I left that event grinning ear to ear. I had found a group of people who celebrated diversity, were welcome to all, and sought to provide a safe place for each and every brother they welcomed into their fraternity. Now, in my last semester as an active member of Phi Sigma Pi, I look back at all I have gained through this organization. The Delta Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi has brought me close friends and some of the best memories of my college experience. It gave me the courage to run for a position, helping me to find confidence and a voice within our chapter. Meeting and talking with so many brothers, unique in their own ways and passionate about a number of causes, has inspired me, challenged me, and opened my mind to many different things.
But most of all, I have found brothers who have loved and encouraged me through my college experience. As we approach the holiday season (and the impending graduation of many of our brothers), I cannot help but stop and reflect on the people I have met, opportunities I have been awarded, and many wonderful memories I have made through this organization. And be so thankful.
Growing up in a small, sheltered town I tended to be rather shy and while I was very involved in school, it was in the same programs and activities with the same people I had been in school with since kindergarten. Looking to get involved as a college freshman, I sought out similar groups with similar people to the ones I had stuck so closely with at home. It was not until Phi Sigma Pi that I realized how desperately I needed a change. At the very first information session, I sat in a room full of people and just looked around as I listened to introductions. I quickly started to realize how different each individual in that room was, not just from me, but from every person. Sure, there were groups with similar majors or people from nearby hometowns, but I was struck by the individuality of each person sitting in that room, and the bond that they had between each other.
I left that event grinning ear to ear. I had found a group of people who celebrated diversity, were welcome to all, and sought to provide a safe place for each and every brother they welcomed into their fraternity. Now, in my last semester as an active member of Phi Sigma Pi, I look back at all I have gained through this organization. The Delta Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi has brought me close friends and some of the best memories of my college experience. It gave me the courage to run for a position, helping me to find confidence and a voice within our chapter. Meeting and talking with so many brothers, unique in their own ways and passionate about a number of causes, has inspired me, challenged me, and opened my mind to many different things.
But most of all, I have found brothers who have loved and encouraged me through my college experience. As we approach the holiday season (and the impending graduation of many of our brothers), I cannot help but stop and reflect on the people I have met, opportunities I have been awarded, and many wonderful memories I have made through this organization. And be so thankful.