This week, back to school- back to
basics: the tripod.
With August well under way brothers
are headed back to class. Rushes will begin all over and soon new
initiates will begin studies in the history of Phi Sigma Pi. One of
the first discoveries these pilgrims will come to is the tripod.
Scholarship, leadership and
fellowship; these ideals compose the very core of the fraternity.
Yet, sometimes get glossed over when teaching initiates. Sometimes
these ideals are even forgotten in the busy life of a college
student.
Scholarship is usually what drives
the initial interest in the fraternity. After all, it is an honor
fraternity and honors are determined by GPA. But scholarship goes
beyond having a nice GPA. Scholarship is taking an active interest
in your studies and going beyond the classroom.
Phi Sigma Pi knows the importance of
scholarship and education, as Teach For America is the national
philanthropy. Brothers all over participate in varieties of
scholarships from simple study groups to attending plays, lectures,
and other enriching activities that stimulate the mind.
Leadership is one of the qualities
that set Phi Sigma Pi members apart from other students. Some think
that being a leader means being the sole individual in charge of a
set of responsibilities; however chapters as a whole can be a leader
on campus. Take for example the large service projects such as Kick
the Silence kickball tournaments headed up by the brothers of Alpha
Eta. Brothers were able to raise money to benefit RAINN, the Rape
Abuse and Incest National Network.
Fellowship is what brings it all
together. Being with your brothers and making memories that will
last. The bonds between brothers can last a lifetime. Some
chapters neglect the social aspects of the fraternity, worried that
they will look less like an honorary organization and more
stereotypical social greek.
There is nothing wrong with having a
good time. In fact the great thing about the tripod is how the
three ideals work together. Fellowship is strengthened by
scholastics and service. The brothers who work and learn together,
have fun together and live fulfilled lives together.
