Coming to college my freshman year at Southern Arkansas University, I did not know what to expect. I didn't know if I was going to be involve in different organizations, if I would get along with my roommate, if I would make any friends since I was far from home and if I would honestly make it in college. A month and a few weeks later my friend, Renae, told me about an interest meeting that her Fraternity was having. My first thought was if I could actually join and if she meant a sorority, but I went along with it and went to the meeting. Long story short, November 22, 2013 I became a member of the Alpha Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity the greatest and the largest service fraternity in the world.

Alpha Phi Omega or better known as APO, is a national co-ed service organization founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. It provides every members with the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation, and to the organization.With a numerous amount of member on over 375 campus as well as in the Philippines.

Ever since I became a member of this fraternity my life has changed for the best, especially since I pledge my freshman year. Me and my brothers have been asked multiple of times why did we join APO, a simple question that can honestly have various answers.

1. It's Co-Ed

Who would have thought that females could be in the same fraternity as males and who would have thought females can be called brothers as well, but if you say sister or soro to us it might not be to pretty for you. One reason why some people join is because its different, females are welcomed into the fraternity. At some schools, the females make up majority of the chapter. There's no specific reason why, but who would complain.

2. More than a bond, we're a family

One thing i never knew was that total strangers could end up being my family. Also, that growing closer to each and everyone in the chapter and even frat from different schools would be my second family away from home. Yes we have our moments, but what family is perfect in anyway.

3. Campus full of members

Coming on campus and just seeing a lot of people who are members of APO and who were also involved in different organizations on campus as well make few people wonder. My brother Amethyst said. Also the bond that the members have for one another rubs off on people who are thinking about trying to join. For me it was just the simple fact that the people i look up to where members and that they always have time to get to know people on campus especially the freshman class as they enter into college. As more people join, their friends are seeing them becoming more active and having a genuine friendship, makes others want to strive to be apart.

4.The Three Principals

Leadership, Friendship, and Service are what we live by, the golden rule some can say. They drive the members forward in their daily lives, Kiana Davis mentioned. Sometimes you have to learn how to sacrifice and what better way to do that other than service. Being apart of this great fraternity can develop great leadership skills whether its taking positions and/or taking charge for a project. Even if a person doesn't get it right the first time its okay cause you have friends that will help you along the way, hence Friendship.

5. Never judgemental

My frat brother, Deitrick Wyick, joined was because APO never judgemental. They never judge a person by who they were or what they do in life. As well as, We're a big family so we welcome all with open arms. Even if a person comes to an interest meeting they will automatically feel loved which is the whole point of everything we do.

6. Having a purpose in life and bettering yourself.

People know that they have a purpose in life, but they don't know what it is specifically that might it be. Once people join APO some of them finally figure out their purpose, which is to give back to the community through service. The countless number of hours that APO members put in with the community and with their campus can really change lives without even thinking about it. Some probably encountered doing service that hits home, to which they better themselves. "APO taught us about ourselves and to appreciate people and everything we have", Marlo Rogers stated.