All of my life I was surrounded by my parent’s friends from
college and their kids. My dad was a Kappa Alpha Order at Arkansas Tech
University and my mom was a Southern Belle to Kappa Alpha Order while she was
in college. Naturally as I grew up I was surrounded by men and women that all
had one thing in common, a bond like no other, Greek. These men that my father
called his best friends not only were a huge part of his life, but they were
also a huge part of mine. These men taught me that though life throws you
curveballs that you never seem to expect, or the slightest bit prepared for,
friends and family are what get you through it. In my dad’s case, his brothers
stayed by his side through all of it. I was raised knowing, that whatever
happened to my parents in the future, I wouldn’t have to worry about where I
would end up. Someone who loved my parents, who loved me, would be there to
take care of me.
So let’s
back track a little bit. My mom and dad were affiliated with the same
fraternity, I bet some of you inferred that KA is where they met, and you would
be right. They dated in college and it didn’t quite work out, but years down
the road, watching a Razorback basketball game, my parents ran into each other
again. Well you know how the story goes, boy likes girl, girl acts like she
doesn’t like boy when she really does, blah blah blah. Well they got married
and had me! The greatest child that made all their dreams come true! (Sorry
Eric it wasn’t a secret I am the favorite) ;) Just kidding!! But when I really think about that story, I
think about how they met. How my parents just happened to be affiliated with
the same organization that is 150 years old this year. I think about what if
they hadn’t been in the same organization. Where would I be? Would I exist? My parents are amazing people and
they have guided me in the right direction my whole life. God has been the
center of our household as long as I can remember, and I wouldn’t have wanted
it any other way, the same goes for Greek Life. I was raised watching the
effect it had on my parent’s lives after college and on mine. So for those of
you that think I pay for my friends, I don’t agree with you, and frankly I
never will.
