When I began at Wofford College two years ago, I mainly kept to myself and the few close friends that I had. I woke up for PT every morning, went to class, did homework, and played video games. Not that any of things were a bad thing to do, but I felt like I was lost in void, that I really had no meaning at Wofford. I struggled a lot in my first two semesters because Bio 150 &151 were the bane of my existence. I was struggling to keep my grades and my PT up and I felt like I had no lifeline on campus. My family was and will always be there for me, but I needed someone closer to connect with. I needed brothers.
Starting my sophomore year, I participated in Fraternity Recruitment. I went to every house during smokers and was able to get a glimpse of what every fraternity had to offer me. After the long process and a few hot days, I ended up being a new member of Pi Kappa Phi. The choice to sign this bid started an adventure that I wasn't ready for, but one that I really needed. Starting in the fraternity I had my pledge class, there were 14 of us, and even though I would want to knock some of them over the head sometimes (a lot of the time), at the end of the day, I couldn't stay angry because these guys are my brothers. Any obstacle I have to face, they are right next to me. I felt like I had meaning in my life, that there were other people relying on me to be there for them while at the same time I had each of their support.
I learned a few things about myself during this process though. I suffered from anger management issues and my pledge brothers ears would normally get the brunt of my rants. Since I normally kept to myself, having these brothers to rant to, whether it was about something stupid they did, or whether it was something that happened to me from school, they always listened. They always made sure I was OK. Most importantly they made sure to calm me down. This really struck me because I never thought my personality to be like this or that my anger was really affecting people. Having pledge brothers acknowledge my problem made it clear to me that I needed to change for the people around me, but most importantly myself. I also saw my potential to be a leader. I became the pledge class president, I was the head honcho of my class and someone everyone looked up to.
Finishing my "pledge-ship" and officially becoming a brother was a life changing experience. It felt amazing to not only have a group of friends who I could closely connect to, but having a group of men that I could always call brothers. That I could proudly talk to about anything in my life. People who would stop what they're doing just to help me get out of any situation. These brothers became my closest friends. I could share anything with them and having that sense of freedom, a freedom with no judgement whatsoever, felt nice. It was nice to feel like I had a place in this group, no matter what I was talking about.
Learning about all these brothers, I gathered so much about their personal lives, and this was an amazing experience because not only did I get to hear hilarious or amazing stories, but I also got to feel connected to them. I learned that I am not alone in facing my problems. There is always another brother who is going through or has gone through the struggle that I am having and having that sense of connection really made me feel like I was at home.
The biggest contribution this fraternity has given me was somewhere to express my feelings. My anger stemmed from a problem from my childhood, which I explained to them fully one night, and honestly that was the best choice I could've ever made. So many brothers opened up to me and came to me trying to make sure I was okay. This was a feeling I needed, for so long in my life I have felt empty and alone, but finally with this group of men I can feel like I belong somewhere.
Not only do I look up to every member of my chapter, but I know that they all look up to me too. We consistently strive to make sure that each person is performing at their best potential and nothing ever gets in the way of that. Now I know joining a fraternity or sorority is different for everyone, but I know that in some way, shape, or form that I will have a positive impact on you. No chapter is better than the other, they all offer a unique experience. Of all the decisions I have ever made thus far, I can proudly say that joining a greek organization has been one of my best choices. I have not only made lifelong friends, but brothers.
