AKPsi to me means family. It’s a group of people who are bright, talented, fun, and curious. We are connected by the common goal of being our best selves, regardless of the majors or career paths we choose to take.
I like to make analogies between sport and life. Sports are where you see emotion in its purest form, and people show their true selves. When I started an IM basketball team for AKPsi last year, I got to see the hearts of my brothers shine bright.
The attitudes that they showed on the court reflected their attitudes off of it. Before the season started, we collected a team of brothers of different basketball experiences and different shapes and sizes. It didn’t matter that it was intramural or that some players were short or hadn’t played basketball before. The idea of competing and trying something new with friends is exciting to AKPsi members. AKPsi zeal and enthusiasm are ever-present.
On game day, the strength of our community was clear. While most teams had less than 10 members, we would have teams of 18 playing with five fans taking time out of their busy schedule to come cheer us on. AKPsi supports each other.
When the game kicked off, we put our game faces on. Everyone was locked in with a focused look on their faces. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t professional ball players or on the school team. When we have a task ahead of us, we are laser-focused. We are willing to hustle, sweat, and play physical with anyone to get our goal of winning. AKPsi is determined.
As soon as players were subbed off the court, the intensity faded away and we cheered, fooled around, and enjoyed the company of our teammates off the court. We made celebrations, handshakes, and unique cheers. It was amazing seeing the fun and supportive environment we’d created on the sideline of the rec center. I think our attitude in this game reflected our approach to life: work hard, and when it’s time to relax, enjoy yourself. AKPsi has a good time.
Basketball aside, AKPsi has given me access to an amazing group of people who challenge me every day to do more and be more. I’m impressed by the ambition people have and the commitment they show in achieving their goals. I feel at home and at ease when we hang out on weekends and am encouraged to push myself when it’s time to get to work. The people of AKPsi are the ones I’d pick to be on my team, both on the court and in real life.
