For anyone starting college, figuring out where you fit in is a challenge. It's something that is constantly hanging over you from the time you're asked to choose a major, to deciding what clubs and organizations to join.
For me, it didn't seem like a challenge at first. I chose my major right away--professional writing. Because I was in marching band in high school, I assumed that's where I would fit in at college, but I was wrong. College marching band wasn't the right fit for me, and for a while I even struggled with the thought that maybe writing wasn't the best fit for me either. These thoughts eventually led me to question my choice in university as well.
I felt like I didn't really fit in anywhere on campus; I would go to class and then straight back to my room. I only had a few friends on campus and I rarely ever went out. It wasn't until my junior year that my best friend convinced me to pledge an organization that she was the president of at the time - Alpha Phi Omega, a national co-ed service fraternity.
Being the introvert that I was, it took a lot of convincing on her part. But in the end, I agreed and went through the pledge process in the fall of 2014. For the first time in my college career, I felt like I belonged. APO helped me break out of my shell by giving me the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn't have otherwise had the chance to. It got me involved on campus and showed me what it felt like to help make a difference in the community by giving back. Had I not joined APO, I'm certain I would've gone through the rest of my time on campus being that same introverted hermit that I started as. College was honestly the only time I ever really questioned who I was or what I wanted in life; without APO, I don't think I would've had the heart to stay.
The friends I made in my chapter have shaped me into the person I am now and I'm proud to have known every single one of them. I was given an amazing Big, who helped me in my journey in becoming an active brother, and I was fortunate enough to be given two amazing Littles to guide as well. I got to watch my family line grow and now I have two awesome Grand-littles. I have a great line, but all of my brothers are pretty wonderful. Like any family, we have our ups and downs but at the end of the day, we are a brotherhood and I know that I have lifelong friends in all of them.
Choosing to pledge any organization is a huge decision and takes a lot of time and dedication; it is not something to do on a whim. I can honestly say that joining Alpha Phi Omega was the best decision I made in college, and now as I face graduation, I look back and wish that I had joined as a freshman. I feel like I didn't have enough time with these lovely people and I'm so sad to be leaving the chapter now, but I know that I will always have a home with Alpha Phi Omega and for that I am grateful.
"Because I have a brother, I will always have a friend." Thank you, Alpha Phi Omega, for getting me through college.
