Pictured above: Melissa, Alonso, Jessica, Leslie (me!), Charley, Danielle, Aneesha, Ruth, Nora, Gianna, Scout

Dear Brothers,

I cannot believe I am finally an alumna. I knew this day was creeping up slowly, but the last couple of months have felt like an utter whirlwind of emotion: excitement, anxiety, joy, fear, you name it.

I’d like to a take a moment to let you get to know me better.

When I joined our beloved Fraternity in 2013, I was so excited to belong to an organization that had produced so many amazing leaders. At the time, I was also involved with our Student Government Association and an officer on the newly formed Residence Hall Association. I wanted to make more friends, find like-minded people that I could grow personally and professionally with. I have never found a group of people more diverse and amazing than that within our Chapter. In 2013, I would have never thought of how big this Fraternity really is. Fast forward a few years and officer positions, and suddenly I’m elected President.

This has been the biggest journey of my life. I have loved every opportunity to represent you, my Brothers, to others who have wanted to help us along our way. I have loved getting to know my brothers, the things that make you tick, the ways you interact with others. I have loved watching you experience your first LEAD, seeing you learn about the Fraternity we love. It hasn’t always been easy, nothing worth doing ever is.

Being a Deltasig has defined a substantial part of my collegiate career. It’s more than just the things we tell you at recruitment: there are Brothers in every class, you always have someone willing to help you in times of need, etc. For me, there is the obvious: my fiance is a Brother, my best friend is my Big, I find new friends at work based on their status as Deltasigs (although I’m totally open to other friends, I promise!). There are deeper things, things that probably should not find themselves in a blog-post— but they’ve allowed me to curate a bit of advice for you.

Keep your Brothers close to your heart. These people, whether they were in your pledge class, your big, your extended family, whatever: they are all people. More than people, they are all your family. There are ties that bind you together that no one can sever. If you put them first, you will build such a natural brotherhood. You don’t need official brotherhood events to be a good Brother. Have full conversations with people: ask them how they’re doing, how life has treated them recently, how you can help them.

Accept your differences: Just because we’re a family doesn’t mean that we’re all the same. For example, I am a very serious, high-strung person. This has been my personality my entire life. My earliest memories are of my parents telling me to be less serious. At this point in my life, I don’t think that I’m going to transition into a spirited, fancy-free individual. BUT, if I know that my serious personality puts some people off (and it does, I’ve accepted it) I can edit my behavioral tendencies to make those people more comfortable. I’m not advocating for you to change your entire self, but in some situations you can eliminate potential conflict and misunderstanding if you just practice your best chameleon skills. You don’t always have to be the one changing, but sometimes it’s easier for you to change. For the person on the other end of the conversation, please be kind. Especially if they’re trying to meet your needs, remember that they’re still a student and a person too.

Be intentional: You only get about four years of collegiate brotherhood. Some of you will have less, some will have more. Make the most of that time. I’ve had so much fun by getting to know Brothers from other Chapters, attending national events, and putting my best foot forward. You never know who you might meet or when you might meet them. Make the most of every opportunity you are given. At the end of the day, what you get out of the Fraternity is only going to be as much as you put in.

I will miss all of your bright and shining faces as I wander into this next stage of my life, but I hope you know that I’m only a phone call (or a short drive) away, and I’ll always be available if you need me.

Love always,

L