Alpha Phi Omega

Alpha Phi Omega

It’s the first Monday of September around 8:45, as people start to file into the second floor of the McCormick building. The students meander around hallways that surround the lecture hall, which form an uneven U shape. The windows on either end of the larger of the hallways have couches underneath them. Many of the students relax there with their friends and discuss upcoming events or the days they had. I walk in somewhat late, but the lecture hall has not been opened yet. Many of the people from my pledge class stand and sit in the middle of the hall. As I walk up to start a conversation the Exec board opens the doors and waves of people crowd the doors. As we go into the spacious, over-lit lecture hall we hand our ID’s to the girls who oversee rush and retention. The ID’s are scanned and recorded within the APO system to ensure that everyone attends the meetings. We are also asked to take a small paper ballot that rests at the edge of the table. Looking up from the ballot on the table I realize the screen is down and a PowerPoint has been put on it. The PowerPoint reads “Alpha Phi Omega: Brother Meeting 9/10/18.” The meeting begins with a few words from one of our Grad assistants Megan, her long brown hair is pulled back and tied up with a scrunchy. “If anyone is interested in participating in a research study for my master’s thesis, please see me after the meeting!” She then invites the first members of our exec board to the stage to speak about the new pledge class and some of the upcoming events. Kevin, our pledge trainer for this semester scurries towards the stage with excitement, you can truly tell he loves what he does for the frat. Jared, who is our APT, or assistant pledge trainer, leisurely makes his way up to the stage and orients himself to be behind Kevin on the stage. 

For people who aren't familiar with APO one might assume that we're just like any other fraternity on campus, which is not completely true. Yes, we are a fraternity and yes, we are involved in service events, but we do not have a house or throw social gatherings as many other frats do. We are completely service based and are also a co-ed organization. 

The pledging process is a very informative time  where one is really able to learn exactly what Alpha Phi omega is all about.  APO is based upon the pillars of friendship, leadership and service, which are instilled in all of our meetings and events. I don't doubt that these words are often interpreted differently by the brothers. I often think about what APO has done for me and the way I live my life, so I decided to inquire the same of some of my brothers. " APO has given me friends that I'll have for the rest of my life!" claimed Kayla excitedly. Friendship is one of the most important things about being in an organization like this. Not only is the goal to help the community but to be able to help people while developing your social skills. Doing good is only emphasized by doing it with people who you enjoy spending your time with. 

Members of APO during the activities fair

Leadership is a trait that is difficult to acquire without experience. The only way you are able to truly test your leadership skills is to be thrown into a situation that you have to be able to handle. Through doing work with Alpha Phi Omega leadership becomes effortless. I spoke with a member of the executive board about this topic. "Being apart of exec has really allowed me to see my potential. I can handle way more than I ever thought I'd be able to. I can go into unsolved situations and readily find solutions. Its just crazy think that a position in this frat would teach me such valuable things." Alaina explains as we are walking out of our first brother meeting of the year. The hallways are dimly lit and the floors squeak with the shuffle of wet shoes. Its strange to see how far we have come in just a year of college and what things have made the biggest impacts on us. A year ago, before joining APO I'm not sure that I would've accepted difficult tasks as readily. Even small tasks such as taking control of a group project or volunteering to present in front of a class. Leadership and confidence often flow together, causing one to increase as the other developed.  Alpha Phi Omega has helped many of my brothers and I realize just how much we can do when we trust ourselves, our decisions and work together. 

Brothers at Relay for Life

The last pillar of Alpha Phi Omega is service. This is the probably the biggest and most important one to abide by. As an organization our entire goal is to be able to help the community around us. Whether that is the students of Bloomsburg, the citizens of Bloomsburg, or people from around the country and the world. Any way we are able to help and make an impact on people's lives is important. "Giving back to the community is probably my favorite thing we do in APO. I love going to the food cupboard or to the Danville hospital and getting to speak with people and volunteer." Nicole exclaimed. "I feel like not only am I helping other people but I am also helping myself become a better person." APO is meant to help better the lives of others while also helping you better yourself. Many of my brothers accredit Alpha Phi Omega for helping realize who they want to become and what they want to do for the rest of their lives. I personally have done many amazing things with APO that I believe helped me develop as a person. Just yesterday my roommates and I rolled out of bed at 7:00 am to get up and attempt to compose ourselves before our service event. After a groggy 45 minutes we headed out the door to pick up our friend Adam who would also be joining us for The walk to end Alzheimer's. We bump over the train tracks and slowly turn into the parking lot of the Bloomsburg YMCA. As we arrive we see many of our brothers already lined up and waiting to get registered. We walk through the fences and receive purple paper bracelets  from the volunteers running the event. As we file into the field next to the gym we see a patch of flower shaped pinwheels. The blue, orange, yellow and purple petals spin with ease on this windy morning. I soon learn the significance of these colors, blue signifies that you have Alzheimer's, yellow shows that you are the caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, orange is to show support, and purple means that you have lost someone to Alzheimer's. After a wonderful opening ceremony we begin to walk up the streets of Bloomsburg towards the fountain, people honk and wave in support as the sea of purple tee shirts and colorful pinwheels take over the sidewalks. 

My brothers and I in the pinwheel patch

Though I have never been personally affected by Alzheimer's, I have met many people who have, which truly puts into perspective just how devastating this disease can be. To be involved in an organization that is ready and willing to support their brothers as well as people from the community who have been affected is amazing. The members of APO are truly a loving, kind, and selfless group of young people who strive to do their best for themselves and more importantly for people in need.