When a tragedy strikes in a community, members come together to build each other up. At Ball State, our Greek Life family is no exception to this, regardless of our differences. 

Saturday afternoon, our community was struck with grief as we heard news of a member of the Sigma Chi, Epsilon Omega chapter, had passed away. Brothers of Zach Decker were sharing kind words and thoughts about him on social media, and shared crazy stories and memories of their late brother and friend.  Many talked about how he always lived his life to the fullest and could light up the mood of any room he walked into, while others talked about his influence on them personally and their chapter. 

As the brothers of Sigma Chi asked for thoughts and prayers for Decker's family and those impacted by the loss, the internet blew up with posts from the whole Greek community.  Soon other fraternities and sororities were posting about the news, offering condolences to the family and fraternity brothers and asking them to stay strong in a time of need. People that barely knew or didn't know Decker at all were even tweeting just to show respect to him, his family and his fraternity.  It was a heartwarming sight to see people from other chapters trying to build up and pay respects to the late member of Sigma Chi.  

In times of need and discomfort, it's always comforting to know you have people there by your side.  When you receive a bid from a fraternity or sorority, you soon realize as you become a part of the organization, that you have more people by your side than ever before. These people will know when you need support and will help you through the struggles you have in everyday life.

What we sometimes don't realize is not only are there over 80 or so men or women to strengthen us up in the worst times, but also an entire Greek community that can be there for us. Regardless of the sorority or fraternity, we are all part of a organization that strives on being leaders and remarkable examples of men and women. As different as the chapters might seem, we connect together as a strong unity of individuals that do amazing things.

Like a family, our members aren't all alike-- we are all different individuals who view the world in a different way. We can see this in our own chapters, and in our Greek community as a whole. Together, the differences help us strengthen each other and overcome hard times and obstacles, even if it is responding to an accident or a death in our community.

It may take bad times to realize this, but it is something to keep in mind regardless of what is happening in our community.  We are all part of a big, extended family that needs each other.  It is our duty to strengthen each other up to become the best we can be, and to be there in times of need for not only now but for life.

Rest in Peace, Zach, your Ball State Greek family misses you!