I cannot speak on the behalf of my brothers across the 34 active chapters, but I can speak for myself and give some insight to the chapter here at Texas Tech, Eta Chapter.

I decided to pledge Beta Upsilon Chi — Brothers Under Christ — Christian fraternity in the fall of 2012. This was my first semester at Texas Tech, therefore my first semester at college. My ideas of fraternities and Greek life where something close to what you would see in a scene of "Animal House." Retrospectively, Greek life is definitely a fun and social community but is not reduced to just Toga parties and pledges running around in ridiculous costumes. Again, I cannot speak for any IFC fraternity and definitely not for any sorority on Tech campus. This is strictly about my time in BYX.

I cannot mention a lot about pledgeship but it was nothing like I had anticipated. Whenever I was pledging, the active members of the chapter wanted to help me out with anything. On top of that, these guys were 100 percent invested in not only my life and walk with Christ, but also with the rest of my pledge class. It was welcoming and the only time I ever felt intimidated by the active members, and especially my pledge captain, was because of what great examples of Christians they were. This, and so much more is what I have to say to say about pledging BYX. It's a brief overview but this is only a small part of what makes this fraternity such a great community.

Being an active member and especially becoming an older member has brought me nothing but blessings. The living definition of community lives within the walls of where we hold chapter. My brothers are nothing but supportive of everyone that is part of the chapter and also not to mention their awesome support throughout the other organizations and churches that they are a part of. This support and love for one another goes beyond walls where we meet. The inspiring men of BYX throw such social events such as Barn Dance, BYX Rave, Island Party, and Date Auction. If you haven't been to one already, it is highly suggested that you make sure to attend the next party to come. I have had the good fortune to participate in all of these events and they have been some of the most fun parties I have attended here at Texas Tech.

Beyond us throwing these parties to just have fun, we have to opportunity to spread the Gospel through what say and even more important, through we do. By attending these parties and being the people we are, we are letting the love of Christ shine through us. To further solidify these truths, ask any member of BYX or anyone who has had the opportunity to attend a party, be friends with a BYX, or just see us interact with the rest of Texas Tech campus.

If it hasn't been already noticed, Texas Tech BYX has a huge heart for the school we attend and also has a big heart for the Greek community. We are becoming more and more involved with the Greek system by hosting Bible studies, mixers and always inviting the Greek community to attend our parties. Not to mention the great fortune of doing Homecoming 2015 with the lovely ladies of Delta Gamma. Our presence on Tech campus is growing every minute and this is all because of what God has done for us and for the Eta chapter.

This fraternity has done so much for it's members and I say this with the utmost confidence because I have a first hand account of it. Texas Tech BYX has taught me how to be a loving person, a joyful person, a person that this campus needs more of. Most Importantly, it has brought me a community of men that will stick with me beyond the college years because of our common bond: Jesus Christ.

This chapter is reaching new heights everyday, due to God, due to the talented men in the chapter and due to opportunities given to us from Texas Tech University. It is with great joy that I say it's been such a pleasure to be a part of something so special as BYX. The best part is that, across 34 active chapters scattered across the nation, the same exact thing is happening at each and every one of those chapters. In the 17 years that Eta chapter has been active, it is now where BYX is making itself a household name. Something the founders probably wished for. I know I want to see this fraternity become more than it already is. It's only a matter of time, and this is all because of God and the people who support us with every PR shirt, event attended and prayers we receive.