Dear Old Theta Chi,

In the years I have been in college, I have changed in more ways than I can count. I have grown up faster than ever imagined and have learned what it takes to get what I desire. It is because of you Theta Chi that I am who I am today.

I knew before I went to college that I was going to rush a house and enter the amazing community that is Greek Life. I just didn't know where to begin. Coming into Greek life I was an excited, anxious, innocent college freshman.

My only knowledge of the collegiate world came from what movies portrayed, and people telling me that students actually study and it's not like the movies at all.

When I made my way through rush, I knew instantly that Theta Chi was the place I wanted to be. To be honest, I only hoped that I was the brother you wanted.

I was so lucky to get my bid, and become a part of the Theta Chi brotherhood.

What set Theta Chi apart was that I always felt the most comfortable there. From day one, I felt at home and knew this place was where I wanted to spend the next four years. Since the beginning, you shaped me into the man I am today and have shown me aspects of brotherhood I will never forget.

Until college, I was terrified to face a challenge because I was afraid to fail. But being around all my brothers and being involved with the Greek community has driven me to be my best self. The most important aspect of brotherhood that has been shown to me is the desire to be a better man.

In Theta Chi, I am so thankful we want everyone to be the best man we know they can be. When we see a brother not living up to his full potential, we push him to live up to the words of our fraternity -- sturdy manhood, resolute men.

Being a Theta Chi taught me never to give up. A man does not give in when things become hard. He must take a challenge head on and know that he will conquer it.

In the past, I've made excuses for why I shouldn't take on a task or why I should stop trying, but thanks to Theta Chi I know why I should never give up. My brothers count on me to live the ideals to become a member, but I also am thankful to have learned that I owe it myself to live up to the values of becoming a better man.

In Theta Chi, I have learned to hold myself responsible for my actions. Making a mistake does not define who you are, it's how one reacts to the mistake that shows what your true character is, and that is what I have found here.

I have repeatedly failed while being at college, in more ways than I know or can count. But all these men influence me to be better by taking my mistakes head on and not looking at them as mistakes but as examples of how I can improve in the future.

Many days I have needed the support of my brothers for a number of reasons, and every time I do, there has always been a brother who has had my back. Sometimes they didn't even have to say anything, all I needed was someone there. Not only do we extend the helping hand to our brotherhood, but all those who seek it.

I am so happy to stand by everything my fraternity represents and to perpetuate our ideals. Not only will I carry my fraternities values when I am in school, but proudly throughout my life.

I am most thankful for our brotherhood because it's where brothers can be themselves. For those that know me, I am a weird individual who never stops smiling, laughing at almost everything, and enjoy every second of my experiences in college.

Being in Theta Chi, I have never felt judged and can have always have a fun time and encourage everyone around me to have fun too. I am thankful for a brotherhood that works hard and remembers to have have a laugh sometimes.

There is no place I'd rather be, and no group of men I'd rather be with. This fraternity, this brotherhood, and this life here at my university is a life I thought I'd never have. I had no idea after high school the amazing experience that was awaiting me.

At the end of the day, this house isn't a house, it's home with 50 other brothers.

Love and Respect,

Cole Swanson

Epsilon Kappa