Before UNCW I never truly understood the importance of Greek Life. It was hard for me to comprehend how you could make a family out of strangers, yet everything changed the minute I decided to go through the process of becoming a Founding Member of Alpha Psi Lambda (Co-ed Latino Fraternity) at UNCW.

Now I see, that family is not necessarily people who you have grown up with, but someone who is willing to get to know you regardless of how long they’ve known you.

To me, family is laughing when you walk into your Physics class and see your sister there to make up the class because she couldn’t wake up for her 8am. To me, family is getting morning texts from every single one of your siblings and parents. It is having your brother help you find a new car to buy for the very first time.

We might just be starting, but I already see that this family is for a lifetime. My brothers and sisters have been there for every step of the way, every smile and every tear. We’re still early in the process but we’ve shown how much we truly value each other and the work we do together. We really do succeed together and fail together.

Starting a new chapter hasn’t been easy, and this is just the beginning. While we do have many challenges ahead, I am proud to say that I know we will conquer every obstacle. To our Alpha Psi Lambda parents, thank you for choosing to help us in this process and for letting us realize the importance of what we’re doing. To my brothers and sisters, thank you. Thank you for deciding to join. Thank you for looking out for each other. Thank you for inspiring me to be better. Thank you for being here.