Almost three years ago, Iota Phi Theta became a reality after being a dream. This was the moment where everything changed when it came to my life in the 5 principles: Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood.
Scholarship
Somehow people say going through the process of being greek drops the GPA. It enhanced me, brought everything in perspective. My academics were priority over my process because of two things: (1) If an organization places themselves above academics, it is counterproductive and (2) my academics follow my resume, life, career, and integrity.
Leadership
Eyes are on you as a greek. Not in an aspiring kind of way either. It is a critiquing view. I live my life, critiquing it daily, whether I can make each moment, each time, and each opportunity better. I am inspired by the aspect of ‘own the room’, not to be arrogant, but to show confidence, courage, and even the aspect of ‘having a set.’ My name is on the line in everything I do and I treat it that way.
Citizenship
From this perspective, the friends I had when I went Greek…they’re my friends now. The crowd is my people, my family, my source to make sure that my display of my fraternity is accurate and entertaining. I remember standing around and watching Greeks stroll. I believe if someone takes the time to watch, I should ensure that it is worth watching.
On the sense of citizenship, respect for the other 8 organizations is deemed to be essential. I cannot speak strong and proud about my choice without expressing the respect that I have for someone else’s. To me, every Greek org is important. We are about scholarship and service…we have different colors and different ways in saying that is all.
Fidelity
Fidelity is to be admired, respected, practiced, and known throughout mankind. It is a philosophy I try to uphold as I deem myself a loyal individual.
Brotherhood
There is probably not one person who knows me that can say that I am not a friend, associate, or confidant. I do not have an enemy in the world, and I want to keep it that way. I hated the time where I had enemies because it brought out the worst in me. The brotherhood concept not only applies to my frat, but it applies to everyone who would need a helping hand, a shoulder, bail money, shirt off my back…or the guy who is right beside you in the jail saying, “yeah, we messed up.”
All sarcasm aside, Iota Phi Theta has brought my life closer to full circle. It really set the stage for my life as LosEvolution. It is a life I cherish daily, as I know that I cannot get tomorrow back.
I represent loud to ensure that the whole world can hear..
I stroll so strong that people think it’s 100 Iotas here..
I chant so loud that it send down your spine fear..
I do what it takes to make a crowd cheer..
I entertain the crowd so they can cheer now and later..
For a different fraternity…my Iota Phi Theta.