As Fall Recruitment for fraternities and sororities alike approaches nationwide, there are constant questions from potential new members about what fraternities stand for and what it means to be part of that fraternity. These questions are so persistent that I felt prompted to discuss what it means to be part of my fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI). Being a FIJI means living in accordance with our values, priorities, and motto.

Our values are Friendship, Knowledge, Morality, Service, and Excellence.

Phi Gamma Delta's motto is "Friendship, The Sweetest Influence."Within the fraternity, friendship is a two-way street. You share experiences with each other to gain that friendship and give the same friendship in return. You will have those brothers whom you connect with instantly and stick with for life. These will be the friends that you can go to with any question on your mind, and they will likely feel the same for you. The goal is to have men within the fraternity that will push you to be the best man that you can be during college and for the many years after you graduate.

Knowledge, by definition, is the range of one’s understanding. Phi Gamma Delta is a fraternity that places an emphasis on doing well in college as we find Scholarship to be our top priority followed by Fraternity and, finally, the Self. It is encouraged that brothers take their academic success seriously. Brothers are encouraged to make themselves known to their instructors, seek help if needed, and ask their fellow brothers for help if needed.

Like most fraternities and sororities, Phi Gamma Delta finds it important to give back to the community. Because we function as a unit, it becomes easy to do a lot in a minimal period of time. The power behind a group of men dedicated to a goal can do a ton of good for a community. Service does not have to be only about giving back to the community. It can also be the simple kindness that you show to your brothers and others in your path of life. Ghandi says, "The best way to find yourself is to yourself in the service of others." Realizing what you have to give and sharing that with others allows you to have a deeper connection with those around you.

Morality refers to the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. A few of the basic principles contained within Morality are honesty, reliability, and self-control. You need to be honest in your academics even if you see others cheating and trying to get by the easy way. You need to be reliable and follow through with agreements, and become someone that people can trust. You need to display self-control and keep yourself from getting into trouble. Simply put, do what is right by your conscience.

According to Aristotle, excellence is not an act but a habit. To Phi Gamma Delta, it means being your personal best. You should look up to brothers within the fraternity who are role models of what a true fraternity gentleman should be. Listen to what they have to say about their classes, their plans post-graduation, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions yourself. You should be ambitious and strive to be the greatest that you can possibly be.

Our motto, values, and priorities in Phi Gamma Delta make it easy for a brother to become a gentleman and prosper beyond the college years because all that is learned is truly not for college days alone.