I know what you are possibly thinking right now: How are you in a fraternity and call yourself a brother when you are a girl?! I came to college wanting to join an organization that I could make memories and friends with, but I was not up for spending a ton of money. My oldest sister was part of Alpha Phi Omega at John's Hopkins University and absolutely loved it. She said they planted flowers, volunteered at soup kitchens, had numerous Big/Little bonding events and did silly activities together.
I was hooked. I just had to muster up the courage and find my way to contact someone in charge of the organization. Looking back at it, three years later I am so glad I introduced myself. Two weeks later, I still remember sitting around a table for lunch with a few of the fraternity brothers, and they gave me a big smile and handed me my bid to join. If you have never heard of the wonderful club, I can tell you a little about it.
Alpha Phi Omega according to APO.org's about us page is "a national coeducational service organization founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they volunteer on their campus, in their community, to the nation and to the organization. With more than 400,000 members on over 375 campuses, Alpha Phi Omega continues to provide more service on more campuses than any other collegiate service organization."
Alpha Phi Omega has been founded on the vision, missions, values and objectives that they strive to achieve. Over the three wonderful years that I have been fortunate enough to be a fraternity brother in the Omega Mu chapter at Clarion University, I have made new friends, overtaken some of my fears and expanded my family more than I ever thought I could.
Some of my favorite things include hearing from semester to semester the seniors relive their fondest memories in the club from ceremonies to fellowship events. I also was eager to welcome possible new brothers with pizza and ice cream eating during rush week to capture the flag.
So without further adieu, this is for all of you co-ed service brothers: I love you all and like we always say; "AphiO till the day we die."
1. Being in APHIO has taught me that you will have a family of individuals that will love you and support you no matter what; and that includes your days of stress and frustration.
2. Sometimes you need to have those meetings where you gather in a circle and vent your feelings out — expect numerous hugs afterwards.
3. You are never too old to volunteer with puppies or kittens for a few hours — furry friends need all the love they can get.
4. The toast song will forever be in your heart and head.
5. Nothing beats half price apps at Applebee's after Inductions.
6. Paddles continue to be more creative every year.
7. National Service day is such an amazing day to volunteer and give back to the college, no matter how early the event starts
So whether you are part of a big chapter or a small one just starting out; I promise you joining Alpha Phi Omega will be one of the best things you did at college.
