"When I first arrived at the University of Alabama, I did not have any intentions of rushing. However, through Camp 1831 I met two of my future pledge brothers who convinced me to make a decision that would change the rest of my life - they convinced me to visit Psi chapter and after the first night, I knew I belonged. Later that week I had a conversation with my parents about potentially joining, however they had many concerns including: the cost of dues, why I wanted to join a predominantly Jewish fraternity, and how it could impact my grades. Coming from a lower middle class Christian family, these were all valid concerns. Thankfully, I was able to come to UA with an academic scholarship and with support from my father and grandfather, who are Kappa Alpha alumni and understood the benefits of Greek life, so I was able to convince my family to help pay for the lofty dues that were waiting ahead.
"Receiving the scholarship this year has impacted me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Along with working at my current job as a student worker at the University of Alabama Systems Office and the money I received from the scholarship I have been able to start my own handyman company, named LABR, to fuel my passion for construction and entrepreneurship. The scholarship I received was crucial, as I do not believe I would have had the financial confidence to start this venture without it. It has also allowed me to grow my business as I try to manage a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend, serve as Psi Chapter's philanthropy chair, and my weekly volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. If I am able to grow LABR into something sustainable and successful I will always attribute its success in part to the generosity of Zeta Beta Tau in believing in me."
