Three fraternities extended bids to me. As I sat in my room contemplating my choice, my mind was flooded with questions. Who has the best house? Who has the best events? The highest GPA? Who had the best sorority relations? 

As I stared at the three pieces of paper with my name on them, I narrowed it down to just one important question: Which fraternity’s brothers embodied the values of the man I wanted to become?”

A few months after deciding to join SigEp, it’s easy for me to see that I made the right choice. 

As our chapter’s new philanthropy chair, I work with other brothers to plan events that benefit charity organizations. It’s a community of giving unlike any other, and I’m learning from everyone I work with.

Regarding physical fitness, our “Sound Mind, Sound Body” initiative has me joining in with others in weekly workouts. Our in-house weight room has been whipping me into shape, and has left me feeling more energized and confident than ever.

And in terms of scholarship, SigEp has eased the stress of schoolwork. It’s given me the opportunity to connect with older brothers who have already taken the courses I’m taking, and provided an atmosphere where I can study and be mentored.

Most importantly, I know that no matter what time of day it is, I can drop by and have someone to talk to and spend time with. Each and every one of the people I have met has become my friend and my brother, and having a solid support system of men I trust is more important to me than anything.

It may be cliché to say, but joining SigEp has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I can’t wait to see what the next few years and the rest of my life will bring. 

Nathan is a freshman at Cornell studying government. A version of this story originally appeared on the Elks National Foundation website, on which Nathan serves as a member of the scholar advisory board.