AKPsi is a place where I have always felt valued. From rush to where I am now as a first semester junior, I have been made to feel important and worthy by the AKPsi leadership and brotherhood for qualities too rarely acknowledged within young adults.

While I dressed professionally for rush, I never felt that the focus was on my appearance when talking to the brothers. Instead of my clothes or jewelry, I was asked about my experiences, interests, and goals. It was a refreshing experience, especially as a female, to feel as though what I looked like was of trivial concern compared to my past accomplishments and future dreams.

Then there was a sense of openness and inclusion that made me feel welcome to speak just as loudly as anyone else in the room. With every group I approached or brother I spoke to during rush, my voice was not ignored. I learned to trust my growing confidence and speak openly on the topics I cared about whether that was concerns about climate change or the expansive Trader Joe's salsa variety.

I continue to feel valued as I joined my pledge class and the rest of brotherhood. Older brothers offered me help and advice every chance they got and my pledge class showed me pieces of Tulane I wouldn’t have known existed. AKPsi gave me mentors I didn’t know I needed and friends that I can’t imagine not having today.

Finally, the brothers of AKPsi helped me to finally believe the age-old saying that I had heard countless times from parents and teachers: You can do anything you set your mind to. Many of the brothers I met had accomplished things I would have never thought possible for mere undergraduates. However, their impressive leadership roles and exceptional academic and professional achievements were matched only by their unparalleled kindness. With their continued support and motivation, I feel more empowered than ever to reach for seemingly unachievable goals and encourage my fellow brothers to do the same.