Hit or Miss: Joining a Fraternity

December 4, 2018

Normal, IL – Growing up in the Bloomington-Normal community was all Antonio Rodriguez ever knew. As he reached his college career, the choice was simple, Illinois State University (ISU). But, Rodriguez found himself doing what he least expected while attending ISU, joining a fraternity.

As a commuter to school, Rodriguez found it challenging to make friends during his time at school. Everything changed when he met the fraternity brothers of Acacia. The rush process for the fraternity was unexpected for Rodriguez. “I didn’t know I was rushing at first. I was hanging out, studying with them, had classes with a few of them, and of course going to parties,” said Rodriguez.

When Rodriguez was offered a bid into Acacia, he was so surprised. “It was perfect! I was able to spend time with my friends and do even more activities with them,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez found himself surrounded by a group of supportive and well-rounded individuals. “I had no idea how my time in Acacia was going to turn out. I was a completely different person growing up in a strict household,” said Rodriguez. “In high school, I was quiet and shy and got nervous when talking to new people. I was not very confident. Joining a social fraternity gave me the opportunity that I needed to break out of my shell and realize what I am capable of.”

Rodriguez had found his family at ISU. At ISU, Acacia is a rather small fraternity that is still growing. “Connections-wise there was not much available to us. The connections we did have included bonding with other chapters and cooperating to put on Brotherhood events like out Midwest Basketball Tournament. The work I was a part of to make the connections we did not have has helped me be able to make professional connections today.”

As leadership positions went at Acacia, Rodriguez found himself vying for the presidential seat. The election process was not simple since it is one of the smaller fraternities offered at ISU.  “Our members have been very astute. We have to be very particular about who gets what position,” said Rodriguez. With his eyes still on the presidential position, Rodriguez ran for the spot twice only to find his lack of experience holding him back from what he felt ready to take on. Instead, Rodriguez became the social chair for the fraternity. Ultimately finding himself flourishing in the executive position he received.

This position also brought on occasion unwanted responsibilities such as, “learning how to talk down a crazy drunk college kid who has a knife in his hand and is upset that he has been asked to leave the premise,” said, Rodriguez. Situations that involved the authorities, such as parties being busted, also caused Rodriguez unwanted stressors. “I learned how to speak with police officers effectively and get everyone out of a house in under 30 seconds all while in a toga,” said Rodriguez as he recounts the “toga” party his fraternity threw.

Although it might sound as if Rodriguez only threw parties as social chair, he also interacted with members from other schools. Rodriguez found himself making connections with people from all over the world. Members of Acacia from a university in Canada made a trip to ISU while Rodriguez was holding the position as social chair. Acacia brothers from the fraternity came to visit the brothers at ISU. “We learned a lot about how different the cultures are in life and also Greek life,” Rodriguez said, “At ISU we have Fraternity and Sorority life office for Greek life, Interfraternity Council for fraternities and Panhellenic Council for sororities. They do not have that at this particular school in Canada.” Rodriguez found himself making connections with people from all over the world.

Philanthropic events also became a big part of Rodriguez’s involvement in Acacia. The philanthropy for Acacia is Shriners Hospital. “These events were always fun and good chances to make friends while participating in fun activities like scavenger hunts around campus, cooking contests, and arts and craft style challenges,” said Rodriguez.

Acacia invites the community to participate in a few of their events.“One challenge was a car smash event held in an empty parking lot off of Main Street, and we managed to flip the vehicle, and I managed to rip off and throw the driver side door into the engine, and it stuck,” said Rodriguez.

Acacia offers the opportunity to live in the fraternity house, which Rodriguez opted to do. Moving out of his home for the first time and into a house full of boys was an adjustment that Rodriguez was happy to take on. The brotherhood of Acacia continues after graduation. “I still keep in touch with many of the members, both currently active and alumni, and plan on keeping in touch in the future since these have developed into meaningful friendships,” said Rodriguez.

After four years in a fraternity, Rodriguez learned a lot about himself. “It gave me the leadership experience and interpersonal communication skills to work in a group effectively and take the lead on projects when necessary. I developed my communication and critical thinking skills to come to solutions to problems much quicker while working with others and being more comfortable when working/meeting with new individuals,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez graduated from Illinois State University in spring, 2018. He currently holds a position as a Salesforce Developer contracted to do work for Bank of America. In five years Rodriguez hopes to work for Bank of America exclusively. As for the future, 22-year-old Rodriguez is excited to see where life takes him and hopes to use what he has learned in his fraternity for a lifelong time. “Figuring out that I am not alone in most of my struggles in life and I have people I can go to while seeing how there is so much more to life to enjoy and not take for granted,” said Rodriguez about what he took from Acacia the most. “I made some of the best friends in Acacia, I still keep in contact with several of them today,” said Rodriguez.