Here is a quick rundown of how I ended up participating in some of the things that I love the most: basically I immediately write off the thing, and I am like "Ha, no. I am definitely never doing that. Who would do that? Not me. Nope." This is very true in regards to many joys over the past almost twenty years: the academic team, those hipster-y looking shoes that lace up, coffee, cardigan sweaters, and last but not least, wearing Greek letters. When I came to college, I was very cautious of anything with Greek letters, but my tune soon changed...
After participating in the largest day of service, Fusion at UK, I happened upon a table that had a board that said "Alpha Phi Omega". I wasn't going to lie, it kind of piqued my interest a bit, so I drifted a little closer to nonchalantly read the board. I was only there for a couple of seconds when two people at the table immediately struck up a conversation with me. They explained that Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed service fraternity, and the group is not a Greek-affiliated organization. I was like, "Wow cool, I was in a service group in high school, and this sounds super awesome." Then I signed up for emails about rushing. Then I continued to see those same two people and that same table around campus a lot during the very beginning of my freshman year. Those two, Cody and Sarah, ended up being my pledge trainers...the people that taught me all about this wonderful organization.
The pledge semester flew by, and before I knew it I was facing initiation to be an active brother in this amazing brotherhood. From serving the Lexington community with organizations like Sweet Blessings (they make some pretty killer cakes for kids in need) to meeting some of my very closest friends, I could not imagine never pursuing this phenomenal group during my first semester of my freshman year. Alpha Phi Omega makes the University of Kentucky home for me. The fantastic people that I have met are some of the kindest, most selfless individuals that I have ever met.
From the deep connections from leadership activities to many laughs shared, I can't imagine not being a part of this wonderful brotherhood. I have grown so much thanks to this amazing organization, and I wouldn't want to have experienced my first steps into college any other way. I look forward so much to what the future holds. I am so immensely thankful for my amAZing bros. It's a great thing that my aversion to things that I eventually grow to love passes pretty quickly.
Oh yeah...on a fun side note, I met the super cool APO National President, John K. Ottenad. I am proud to say that I introduced him to the concept of the Snapchat faceswap, but I will spare you all the terror of that picture and just post a normal one instead.
Men of Alpha Phi Omega, may we always be. Thank you for being some of the best bros around, AZ.
