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."