Endless Opportunity
Just over a year ago, I came into college not knowing what to expect at all. But joining a fraternity? That was probably the least of my concerns. I was most worried about my academics, just like all of my peers. But not once did I think of what I could do to better myself as a person, nor was I aware of how much potential I had within me. In going through the process of becoming a brother, I have grown tremendously, both as an individual and together with my line brothers. I have come to realize that as a person, I am capable of doing so much more than I once thought. Whether it is learning things about myself that I was never able to see before or helping out within my community, I would not be in the position to do any of these things without the three pillars that were instilled in me throughout the process. Now, as a brother of Delta Epsilon Psi, I not only want to continue to better myself, but I want to truly make a difference in my community.
Growing up in an environment in which I was given practically everything I asked for did not bid me well once I entered college. Sure I was able to act independently and take care of myself, but what I did not fully realize until going through this process was what people less fortunate than me have to go through in life. Engaging in various volunteering activities has opened up my eyes to what life is like for many other people in this country. One of the volunteering events that affected me greatly was when a few brothers and I went to a soup kitchen and helped serve food to members of the local community. This experience was very humbling and allowed me to realize how much I have and how grateful I should be for these things. Another event that will always remain with me is one where a group of brothers including me were involved in helping build a house through Habitat For Humanity. Not only did this experience force me to think about what struggles and hardships people go through to simply have shelter, but it also allowed me to do work that I never envisioned myself doing. That is where being a brother really changed my life. Every event, whether it is fundraising or service, has something to offer in terms of new experiences, leadership development or just learning something about more yourself. None of these experiences or windows would have been available to me had I not pledged this fraternity. After becoming a brother, I am seeing new doors open up to me every day and instead of backing down from these opportunities, I am now actively taking them and seeking out new ones. I feel that I am taking on many more activities in addition to my school work than I ever imagined. I am now able to leave my comfort zone of simply doing my academics and go out and meet new people, attend different events on campus and be a good role model for those around me; however, at the end of the day, I have the discipline to understand what is most important in my life.
In addition to service and fundraising events, there is a plethora of other new experiences in this world that are waiting to be explored. It is now up to us, as individuals and as brothers, to take these opportunities and use them to our advantage. Through the pillars of brotherhood, discipline and commitment, we as brothers of Delta Epsilon Psi, can not only continue to better ourselves, but also improve the lives of those around us.
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Anonymous
