By Lauren Gaines
My journey with Alpha Kappa Psi began way before I actually rushed. One year ago, I was an eager incoming freshman who knew I wanted to make a difference and be a leader on Tulane’s campus. I began making new friends with similar goals to mine, as well as finding mentorship in upperclassmen that were making strides on and off campus. When I talked to many of these older students, one organization kept coming up in conversation: AKPsi. I slowly began to realize that many of the students with whom I was most impressed and looked up to were in this organization and loved it. After doing more research on the fraternity and seeing the enthusiasm a good friend of mine had for the organization after he rushed, I decided to rush myself. I speak with full confidence when I say that rushing AKPsi was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
AKPsi has taught me lessons of leadership, dedication, and friendship. It is an organization for the best and brightest. The people I now get to call my brothers embody achievement, scholarship, and creativity, and they are the people leading organizations on campus, attracting students to Tulane, and advocating for change across the world. I have seen my brothers marching in Washington D.C. for the rights of the oppressed, creating platforms to give students avenues of expression, and traveling across the world to share their talent and knowledge with others. AKPsi is an organization that values effort and determination. When the going gets tough, members of AKPsi rise to the challenge and make every effort to help those around them. Whether that means tutoring one another, going out of their way to solve a problem, or being there for each other in times of sorrow, my brothers will be there. Finally, this organization, above all else, is a brotherhood. The spirits of friendship and kindness are what solidify the bonds we have in AKPsi.
I add no exaggeration when I say that I can call on my brothers anytime for anything and they will be there. The people I have met in this organization are among the most qualified, intelligent, innovative, respectful, kind, hilarious, and warm-hearted individuals I will ever have the pleasure of knowing, and the memories we have made and will continue to make are utterly priceless.
Yes, AKPsi is a professional business fraternity. It will most certainly teach you how to be a productive and successful person in whatever field you choose- not just the business world. Even more importantly, however, AKPsi shows you the value of being a good citizen and friend to all people. Alpha Kappa Psi is a place where you are welcome to be yourself unapologetically, a place where your ambitions and differences are celebrated, and a place where a helping hand and friendly smile can always be found. My life has been forever changed for the better because of this fraternity and the incredible people in it. I highly encourage any and every person reading this to rush AKPsi. Trust me, it suits you.
