Hit by a Brick Wall

I could not be more excited and honored to have attended the 170th General Convention as my first Beta experience outside of my home colony of John Carroll University. There were many moments throughout the trip in which I was overwhelmed with awe at the degree of excellence of Beta Theta Pi, from the five-star facilities and the friendly company, to the delicious banquets and inspiring speakers. It is indescribable to sense the Beta Spirit radiating from over 600 people in a single room. Beta Theta Pi is an international fraternity—I knew this before attending Convention, but this trip gave me the opportunity to see and understand the immeasurable magnitude of the general fraternity and a glimpse of what it takes to function. I learned that not every Beta brother is the same. Not every Beta acts the same, or looks, dresses, or talks the same; yet all Betas are joined by the mutual bond of brotherhood. If every brother was alike, the fraternity would not have the energy that it does and may not be as significant in society. It takes men of all types, personalities, and walks of life to fuel a force as influential and proactive as Beta Theta Pi.

One of the highlights of General Convention for me was Leadership College. Having attended a number of other leadership programs, I was expecting to do more ice-breakers and physical activities that allow attendees to use and develop leadership skills. However, Leadership College was a much more intellectually intriguing and personal experience and unique from my others. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was a motivating approach and a plan I intend to use now and in the future, in Beta and all aspects of my life. One particular thing I learned came from Covey’s emphasis on shifting paradigms. The way I view things and react to situations, which is all self-controlled, will determine the outcomes, my attitudes, my effectiveness, and the legacy I can leave at John Carroll University. I need to start viewing more situations as “win-win,” according to the habit of mutual benefit. When working in Beta, with other campus organizations, the administration, or even the school paper, I need to think win-win instead of win-lose so that everyone will benefit.

Most importantly, I’m beginning to learn what it means to be a Beta. During the keynote address at the closing banquet, I was hit by a brick wall—I am an active member of the greatest fraternity in the world! This is a privilege as well as a challenge, and I must do everything in my power to take full advantage of the bridge laid by those before me and to build up the bridge even more for my future brothers to follow.

Reflection by Nicholas P.J. Skiviat '12