Being in a fraternity is an experience that will change anyone for a lifetime. It brings men closer together and creates lifelong bonds, allowing members to stay friends for their entire lives. There are 123 fraternities across the United States, all of them varrying in some extremely different ways. There are, however, some fraternities that share similar values and beliefs. Being a part of Kappa Alpha Order, we are known by many other greek organizations as a "Southern Fraternity" holding onto what are known as traditional southern values. Being a part of this life changing experience has definitely had an impact on both my outlook on life, other people, and music.

1. Country music isn't so bad... I guess

Before pledging to become a member of KA, country music was something i despised just as much as rap, hip-hop, and pop music. Everything about it made my skin crawl, from the uncharacteristic strumming of a guitar, to the twang in the voices of the musicians, country music bothered me down to my core. I wouldn't have been caught dead listening to a band like Alabama. Now, my outlook on country music has drastically changed. As much as my parents (and myself) hate to admit it, country music has grown on me. I can actually listen to a country song without wanting to gag, due to the exposure that my brothers had ensued on me.

2. If you are a Democrat, you will get made fun of

With this year's election coming up, its easy to make fun of either party. But being a Democrat in a southern and predominately Republican fraternity is no cake walk. Speaking from experience, there will be times when one of your brothers says something that you disagree with so much, that is turns into yourself against 15 other members in a matter of seconds. Of course, most of the teasing in all just in good fun, and no one gets too upset over it.

3. When "Song of the South" comes on, you best be singing too

Alabama's "Song of the South" is essentially the national anthem to my fraternity's chapter. Anytime the song comes on, no matter the occassion, everyone starts singing at the top of their lungs, and dancing like no one is watching (and thank goodness most people aren't). This song in itself has attributed to my new affinity for country music, and really is a fun song to sing to, especially when you have your entire chapter singing it, too.

4. Not all "southern boys" are "hicks"

Granted, we have our fair share of men who wear cowboy hats and jeans even when there is a heat index of 110 degrees, but there are also a large majority who come from a "city" background for lack of a better term, myself included. There are a fair share of men in my chapter who would much rather live in the suburbs where Wendy's or Hardee's is just a short drive away, rather than in the middle of nowhere working on a farm.

5. Y'all has become a part of my vocabulary

You can only hear the word so many times before saying it yourself. Sure, it started out ironically, but now I catch myself addressing everyone with the term "y'all." Ranging from my coworkers to my family, "y'all" has entered my vocabulary all thanks to being surrounded by a group of men who say the term every other sentence.

6. With very different and drastic backgrounds, everyone is still family

Our fraternity is composed of people from all walks of life. From the country to the city, from history to biology majors, from democrats to republicans, everyone in my fraternity has still built inseperable bonds with each other. I would never want to have any other brothers than the one's I have been incredibly fortunate enough to meet. The men that I have been able to build relationships with in my fraternity are ones that are unlike any other friendship I have ever made, and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.