With graduation just around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the men that are becoming graduate members of Phi Kappa Tau and share some their words and experiences throughout the last few years.
Ryan Miller.
Matty Staib, GVSU’ 24 (MS)
Ethan Jimenez, William Paterson’ 24 (EJ)
Ryan Miller, Muskingum’ 24 (RM)
Reflecting on your time in the fraternity, what do you think has been the most valuable lesson you've learned?
MS: The most important thing I learned is how to take care of others, and this comes into play in many ways. Whether it's by putting together events, having one on ones, helping brothers with their tasks, or just having genuine mental health check-ins, I am constantly worried about their overall wellbeing and asking what I can do for them.
EJ: One of the most valuable lessons I've learned during my time in Phi Kappa Tau is the importance of stepping up and taking charge, as well as the significance of sharing great ideas with my brothers. As I became more involved in the chapter, I realized that my perspective and ideas were valuable contributions to our group. I learned that taking charge doesn't mean being bossy or controlling; rather, it involves being assertive, taking initiative, and inspiring others to work towards a common goal.
RM: My most valuable lesson is to learn and reflect on your mistakes. I have learned, especially as a leader in my chapter, campus, and the national fraternity, that transparency is key and without learning and reflecting on your actions and mistakes, there will be room for improvement.
What advice would you give to underclassmen who are just starting their journey in the fraternity?
Ethan Jimenez.
MS: It's something you want to immerse yourself in—don’t just join a fraternity because it makes you sound cool or because you want access to parties. Take the time and get to know your brothers and do all the other things outside of the fun light. You will be surprised how cool or important certain aspects of the fraternity are, and equally surprised how close of a connection you will have with all of your brothers.
EJ: Don't be afraid to take charge and to be more involved on campus. Whether it's stepping up in clubs or councils, the connections you make there are very good. It's a chance to take charge, contribute your ideas and talents, and leave a lasting legacy. Also, remember that being in a fraternity is a team effort. Always be willing to lend a helping hand, collaborate with others, and contribute positively to the fraternity community.
RM: Do not be scared to be a leader. Whether you are a first year or a senior, do not be afraid to stand up, ask the important questions, always lift your brothers, and no matter if you are at a recruitment event or community service event make sure to have fun.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience that defined your fraternity experience?
Matty Staib.
MS: I think one of the most memorable experiences this semester was our first tailgate. This was after we had got our first handful of initial members, we had never done anything big before and we were trying to recruit. Most of the people on campus didn’t know of us at the time. However, we put our flag and tent up, and had a crowd of about 40 people around us at one point having a good time and getting to know the brothers. The coolest part about this, is that about 5-6 of the guys we met there for the first time are now brothers of our own.
EJ: A memorable moment for me was being elected to the Greek Senate e-board right after my initiation as a brother, a truly unforgettable moment for me. It marked the beginning of a journey filled with increased involvement and enriched connections with various campus organizations. Serving on the Greek Senate not only allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to our fraternity's mission but also provided me with a platform to collaborate with and learn from a diverse range of student groups.
RM: Mine would be the Vegas Convention. This is where I got to announce the new board of the UAB, met undergrads and alumni from various chapters, and I also got to see my chapter's hard work pay off when they did the award ceremony.
If you could go back and give your freshman self one piece of advice before joining the fraternity, what would it be?
MS: I would honestly go back to my freshman self and tell myself to join earlier. Even though we weren’t even an interest group at the point of me being a freshman, I wish I would have had the drive to want to start something and find the guys I did earlier so I would have more time to enjoy being in a fraternity. One of the saddest things about leaving college for me is not having more time to spend with my brothers.
EJ: Be yourself and keep being your best you and join an organization where you can be yourself. By embracing who you are and continuously seeking personal growth, you not only enhance your own life, but you'll also inspire those around you.
RM: I would have told myself to join sooner. I waited a semester and would now love to have an extra semester as an undergrad.
What are your goals and aspirations after graduation?
MS: I hope to become a creative director (which falls under the advertising and public relations umbrella) at some point in my career. In terms of directly after college, I hope to work for Phi Tau in expansion.
EJ: My goals are to continue student teaching and to get my master's in teaching math. My overall goal in life is to teach at the college level and to get my doctorate.
RM: I will be going through the Police Academy and then will be a police officer for the Cambridge police department.