What our fraternity means to me by Lauren Thigpen

As my freshman year at Penn State ended I was still trying to find my place in this
huge school. At the beginning of my sophomore year I was introduced to Alpha Phi
Omega. This was the best thing that has happened to me here at Penn State. My best
friends and greatest memories come from this fraternity. Once I started meeting the
brothers and going to events I knew that this is where I belonged. I was prepared to
throw myself all in and I did just that!
Having a position in the fraternity comes with its challenges, but that is what APO is
about building stronger leaders. I now have 37 pledge babies and will be adding to
that number come next semester. I feel like a proud mother. I have watched them all
grow from shy pledges to some of the top leaders in the fraternity. I have watched
their passion for service grow. I have watched them become best friends with each
other and the brothers. It is one of the most rewarding experiences. I have loved
helping each and every one of them on the road to becoming a brother. They have
made me laugh and they have made me cry (whether or not they know it). They
have all single handily added something so precious to my college experience. I have
learned so much from them and will never forget them.
All of the other brothers welcomed me with open arms and I thank them for that.
If it weren’t for them and my fellow pledge class I would not be here today. The
brothers in this fraternity never fail to make me smile. There is so much passion
and dedication to who APO is; it is overwhelming. APO’s atmosphere allows you
to make best friends, learn about yourself, and enjoy every minute of your time at
Penn State. I fell in love with this fraternity, the people in it, and its values instantly.
Leadership, Friendship, and Service will be held close to my heart for the rest of
my life. What better place to be on a Wednesday night than at an APO meeting
with some of my favorite people in the world! I cannot wait to continue to make
memories and friends with APO.