A Neo's Passion For Service
Coming to America as an international student the last idea on my mind was joining a fraternity since I was doubtful if I could ever fit into any fraternity and also because I had a skewed perspective of a fraternity stemming from the media and pop culture influences I was exposed to during my childhood. I met the brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi at an Indian Subcontinent Student Association meeting dressed sharp in their blues and silvers. They seemed to show a genuine interest in me as a person rather than a potential rushee and offered me help and advice with my classes. Throughout the semester I had the distinct fortune of getting to know them and they proved to be both experienced mentors and dependable friends. I saw how a small group of individuals worked hard to organize campus wide tournaments, service projects, and social events. They were as tight knit a group of talented and motivated individuals as I had ever seen and I aspired to become a part of Delta Epsilon Psi.
My second semester of freshman year I pledged Delta Epsilon Psi and emerged through the rigorous and challenging process as a more focused and well-rounded individual. This was something I lacked my first semester as I did not make the most of the opportunities that came my way and lacked the discipline, perseverance, and focus I needed to succeed in my academics. Being mentored by this group of academically oriented individuals helped me regain my lost footing and significantly improve my GPA. This proved to me that Delta Epsilon Psi was a worthy commitment and a privilege to be a part of.
The process also helped ingrain a sense of social responsibility within me. I never had any real interest in community service until I saw the passion and dedication my peers had towards serving our school and community in any way they could. They showed me that it was not merely about how big and successful a service event is but about going out of your own way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. They helped foster a genuine interest in community service which spurred me to make a committed effort to community service.
As the current service chair of Delta Epsilon Psi I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have had to spend time giving back to the community. Whether it be spending time with the elderly at a retirement home or helping build homes for the less fortunate, I have derived an immense satisfaction from becoming involved in community service as it truly brings out the best in us. It was also a much needed reality check for me as a college student immersed in my own activities while being woefully ignorant of the plight of the underprivileged. I will not forget the times we spent doing community service which were moments that unified the brothers. We shared countless laughs and made the best out of it that even the most toilsome labor we did outdoors in the weary heat was hardly noticeable as time flew by while we enjoyed each other’s company doing what we loved to do. It is a humbling experience where you learn many things about others and more things about yourself.
The pillars of brotherhood discipline and commitment that Delta Epsilon Psi has instilled within me will serve me well in every challenge I undertake. I know as long as I stand by these values I can accomplish anything in life. I will truly cherish my time spent in Delta Epsilon Psi and the experience of community service with my brothers which helped me gain a whole different perspective on life.
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Chamath Chandrasekera
Zeta Chapter
