The Importance of Brotherhood

Name: Philip Rundall

Year: 4th Year

Major: Business Economics

I came into college overweight, and this obstacle hindered both my self-confidence and my willingness to put myself out there. My low self-esteem took a toll on my social life and I evolved into an introvert. I despised looking into the mirror and I hated what I saw when I looked at myself. As a result, my insecurities kept me from going out and meeting new people.

Despite my low self-esteem and insecurities, I entered a new environment knowing that I wanted to to be part of a social fraternity and something bigger. Upon checking out the various fraternities on campus, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) stood out to me the most. Not only because of how well I bonded with the brothers, but mainly because I found their drive and philanthropic involvement very intriguing.

The day I joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon was the day that everything changed. SAE is more than a set of Greek Letters, it is a brotherhood of individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and aspirations. Looking back on my freshman year, I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my brothers and my chapter. They have been my support and my motivation throughout my weight loss journey and have inspired me to really step out of my comfort zone and discover the best version of myself. The transformation from 270 to 170 lbs was extensive and arduous, and there were many times that I wanted to give up, but my brothers never turned their backs on me and pushed me to keep going. In the end of the day, knowing that I have 70-80 brothers to turn to for anything helps reassure me that I am never alone. The relationships that I have made and the people that I have met and connected with have made my college experience so much more memorable.

In the Winter quarter of 2016, I was elected and nominated for the executive position of president for SAE. Prior to taking office, I observed our previous president and the actions and steps he established to lead our chapter in the right direction. I knew that I wanted to get involved and to take on an executive position, but I never really considered taking on the role as president. Through my tasks and duties, I have learned how to problem solve more efficiently, as well as understand what it means to be a leader.

My responsibility as the president entails me to keep a cool head and have a good perspective when tackling various things. When anything goes wrong, the alumni and executive board reassures me that we can solve it together and that I am never alone. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I have grown to be comfortable talking to others and giving presentations. My role as president and my weight loss transformation have changed my outlook on college and given me a new sense of confidence on my self-image and happiness.

I take tremendous pride in representing SAE and my brothers. Fraternities are very similar to businesses- there are executive positions that vote on certain decisions for the brothers. Our brothers in every chapter play an important role in our fraternity -- whether it is having a vote on changing chapter laws or participating in philanthropy events, each and every brother contributes and strengthens the bonds and internal structure. The biggest benefit of being part of a fraternity is the opportunity in taking on a role in something bigger and continuing something that has been established by alumni and founders decades ago.

The key to success is to stop caring what people think of you because there is only so much you can control and what you can do. At the end of the day, you can’t please everyone, and you are going to have to be okay with that. No matter how hard things may get, knowing that you have a support team and people to turn to is what is most important.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; find a club, check out student orgs, because you are bound to find one that interests you and it makes college life so much more enjoyable. It’ll even help you after college because you never know who you are going to meet and the connections you will make.

#whotellsyourstory