In my first year of college, I have attempted to try as many things out as possible which would better me in many different aspects of life. I figured I only wanted class to take up so much of my time, and to get outside activities that will keep me occupied mentally, physically and socially. I had rowed for two years in high-school previous to entering UCI and therefore decided to continue my rowing career on the Mens Novice rowing team. The Sigma Chi Fraternity has introduced me to a great network of people.

            Crew has given me many leadership qualities as well as teamwork qualities that not only help me rowing down the race course for seven minutes, but help me get through my days doing work. In the boat I sit stroke seat, which is seen as the head of the boat, and this year, with my rowing experience I was able to feel the boat and help others get to peak rowing technique. People also turned to me when they had difficulty in being able to row well and I was able to teach them by assessing their problem and then going about directing them to fixing their problems. The teamwork needed in crew is also unlike any other sport in which you need all eight rowers and coxswain working in sync otherwise the boat would not be moving at optimal speed. You must get to trust the persons sitting in your boat, otherwise there is no desire to pull hard and feel the pain that is endured during a race. Also the time commitment that is required of rowers is unlike any other sport. You are required to be up and rowing by 6 oclock in the morning for the clean water conditions, and as soon as practice is over, you must stay awake and attend class, and still complete homework assignments and be in bed before 10 pm to wake up for practice in the morning. Races are also not very often and the amount of time rowers must devote to practice for six to seven minutes of racing, does not add up in my mind, yet if the work is efficient, the pay off is immeasurable. Crew has also built friendships off the boat which most can not experience because of the pain and hard work that goes into this sport.

            The Sigma Chi Fraternity has given me many benefits beyond simple membership that have made me a better manager, leader and person. The Fraternity is set up so that there are positions of leadership that are able to be held, which one is elected into and then serves for a one year period. By doing this, this constantly changes the head of command and allows for all people to be able to gain leadership qualities and leadership roles which hold responsibility. In my pledge class I took the role of Quaestor better known as treasurer. As treasurer I was trusted with funds that were to be budgeted for the pledge quarter. Currently I am tribune of the chapter which coordinates getting the correct information to the chapter when needed. Beyond leadership roles, the friendships made that have enabled me to help others with problems whether relating to school or life and vice versa. The time element also comes into play with class and crew already on my plate, I have learned how to plan ahead and set schedules around the activities that are involved with the fraternity from social events, community service, or meeting. With all interactions I have also learned so much from others that I am now able to implement into the way I carry myself and how I will be able to tend to tasks assigned to me in any situation.