Greetings NCD!

Happy second semester! (third quarter?)

Service, where do you start?

Most brothers think of service as what they can do for someone else. There’s everyone’s favorite- servicing the bands (who doesn’t enjoy servicing band members?). You can’t forget about the college or university and keep in mind the service you can do for the surrounding community. So many options so little time. There are so many projects to be done, so many you want to do so many that sound good. How do you do all that you can without spreading yourself too thin?

It’s good to do things for others, but what about the service your fraternity has done or can do for you?

One of the main things Kappa Kappa Psi provides to members is something we all boast about. When asked why we are still involved in the fraternity for three, four or five years (or even more for some older brothers) the answer is usually simple. For many of us this is where our closest friends are. I don’t know about you, but I don’t even know where I would be without my brothers here at Eta Delta. Brothers are not just around to throw things at meetings, make silly bylaws or second motions. Brothers are the ones you call when you need to get out of your house. Brothers are the ones who come over when you’ve had a terrible day and you need a rousing game of trivial pursuit. Brothers are the ones who will stay up with you when you can’t fall asleep or bring you medicine when you’re feeling ill. Brothers will take long road trips with you to the middle of nowhere Ohio. Brothers will give you a spot on their couch no matter what state or time. My brothers are myfamily and while they might be a little on the crazy side (no argument here) I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Characteristics and personality, while some of you might think you would be the same person with or without Kappa Kappa Psi, I disagree. For many of us this has been a huge part of college life and for some, professional life as well. KKY can teach communication, leadership, teamwork, budgeting, interpersonal and even navigation skills for some. Hey, somebody has to be in charge of drawing the maps from university to university or reading the map quest printouts. How many brothers can say they are less shy because of being in Psi? I know quite a few being one myself. I’ve seen Kappa Kappa Psi bring out the best in people and I’m sure you’ll agree that when brothers get together great things happen. Who else but brothers can turn a professor’s toy-filled garage into a sacred ritual space?

One of the more overlooked services KKY can provide you with is networking. The key to getting a job in this day is by knowing people. You have to get your foot in the door and work your way up from there. How better to do this than to use your resources. What about all of the friends you made across the district or even country in Kappa Kappa Psi or even Tau Beta Sigma. With so many connections you have so many more options when you graduate. Use what you have. You’ll be amazed at how much your brothers and sisters might be able to help you in, dare I say it, the real world.

So, while you are a member of Kappa Kappa Psi continue to provide any and all services you can to the band program, community and chapter but do not forget what your fraternity can do for you along the way. Just when you think you are in it for fun, you find out that Kappa Kappa Psi is actually a learning experience. What a bummer…just kidding.

AEA,

Michelle Wedster
NCD Vice President for Programs
Brother of Eta Delta (webmistress)