Justin Hernandez

Being a part of an organization so prestigious and having the opportunities I’ve had over the
past year and a half has been an experience like no other. Coming from not being known as an
outgoing person or remarkable in any regard in my time in high school, it was a challenge I
found myself faced with when I had arrived at Illinois State as a freshman in 2017. This
background provided me with the catalyst for my motivation to become a part of something
more, Alpha Kappa Psi was what I was looking for.

From the beginning of my journey all the way to where I have progressed to today, I have
sought to work to improve and develop myself. Taking on opportunities and challenges I did not
feel comfortable with, at first, was a huge stepping stone for me in this journey. From rushing,
to pledging, to becoming an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi; I saw this journey change my
entire outlook on life completely. At the start of my time with Alpha Kappa Psi, being involved
was very important; this holds true now more than ever.

First it was creating a care package business called Supply Drop with my pledge class and
surpassing our initial expectations for the business, donating the money towards St. Jude. What
came next was going to events and serving on the Fundraising and Rush committees,
contributing to collective efforts to further develop the organization I had become a part of.
With the progress I have made so far in the time I’ve had in the Alpha Kappa Psi so far, I’ve
learned, above all else, how important it is to be surrounded by motivated people. Not
everyone has the same aspirations and nobody has had the same upbringing. What I know now
is that it doesn’t matter where your story begins, it’s your decisions that determines where you
will end up.

Now I can say that I have accomplished more than I would have thought I was ever capable of
before coming to Illinois State. Serving as the current Service Chair for Alpha Kappa Psi, I’ve
seen how the engagement from our brothers in the community has made a difference in
people’s lives. Volunteering to facilitate activities for the kids at the Boys and Girls Club to
packaging food for the people who need it at Midwest Food Bank gave me a sense of fulfillment
when I knew I was contributing to something bigger than my college life.

Taking on two separate positions in different organizations at the beginning of the semester
was intimidating to say the least; but I accepted the challenge. Handling responsibilities for
both Event Coordinator for the Student Accounting Society and Service Chair for Alpha Kappa
Psi has taught me more in one semester about leadership and taking initiative than any other
experience I’ve had before.

The growth I’ve seen in myself wouldn’t have been possible without the relationships I have
with my brothers of the Alpha Kappa Psi Xi-Psi chapter. All focused around a central idea of
brotherhood, we work together to further our capabilities as professionals and becoming the
well-rounded people we strive to be.