Becoming a brother of Alpha Phi Omega changes your life in so many ways. It's a diverse group of people, who all have one thing in common: a love of service. What's so unique about this organization is the way it brings people all of cultures, interests and desires together as one. Your brothers become family and accept you for who you truly are. It's very difficult to find people or places like that anymore.
APO was founded on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. This organization helps you grow and thrive in those three areas. APO provides those with the opportunity to make a difference in the world and to learn from those they may serve. People go into service thinking they might change someone's life, when in reality, most of the time, those people change your life.
Service has taught me to open my heart and mind to others. It's important to be flexible with whatever life throws at you and to create the best of any situation. It is honestly life-changing having the chance to make even the littlest impact in someone else's life. It's not always easy to ask for help and I find it admirable when others can do so. APO provides the opportunity to be that helping hand and to raise awareness for those in need.
Whether it's going on a service trip to Costa Rica or scooping food for the hungry, every bit of service makes your love of service grow stronger. I've noticed that the people who have the least, are willing to give you the most. It's such an inspiring attitude and motivates me to try to live up to those standards.
Sitting in a room full of brothers encourages me to strive to do better every day and lights a fire in my soul. I am always motivated to work harder and to push myself to my greatest potential. The connections I have built with the brothers in my chapter is unlike any other bond. Deep down, I know they will always put others first and be the first to help out when even I may need it.
If you're currently in an APO chapter, stick with it and blossom in your chapter. If you're thinking about rushing APO, do it. It will 100% change your life and help you grow into the person you are meant to be.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."