I entered the University of Puget Sound not knowing anyone. I was nervous about meeting new people because it is always hard to break the ice. Puget Sound focuses heavily on creating a strong orientation program that lasts for two weeks and allows you to break the ice and meet a lot of new faces. I made a lot of friends during Orientation, and they continue to be good friends of mine!

Throughout the first semester of my freshman year, I had a wonderful time. My classes were challenging, yet very rewarding. I really enjoyed being in classes that did not have more than 25 students in them. It allowed me to focus on my work and have personal relationships with my professors. Puget Sound has a diverse student body, which I like because every individual brings something to the table. I met people from all walks of life, which I found to be a great benefit. I felt it was important to reach out to people, especially those you would not normally talk to, because you can learn a thing or two from someone who has a different perspective. 

When I started my freshman year, I never imagined myself joining the Greek community. I felt by joining the Greek community, it would isolate me from the campus and separate me from all of my friends. I was encouraged to go through rush and at least look at the process with an open mind, and I am sure glad I did! I was able to get my own perspective of each house and meet a lot of guys that I would not have met if it had not been for rush. Even if a person is not extremely interested in joining the Greek system, they are encouraged to go through rush because you make a lot of friends—and get a lot of free food! 

When I went through rush, I was unsure how guys would feel about the fact that I had a service dog. His name is Napoleon, and he goes everywhere with me. He is a trained hearing dog and a wonderful companion. I thought that by having a service dog it would label me as something that I wasn’t. As rush progressed I realized how much people liked Napoleon and how everyone was taking the time to know who I was and not just label me as the kid who had the dog.  One of the fraternities, Sigma Chi, was very supportive of Napoleon; in fact they gave him a personal bid!

I ended up joining Sigma Chi, which has been one of the best decisions of my life. I have developed amazing friendships with members in the house that I know will last for a lifetime. My concern with being a member of the Greek system, particularly isolating myself from the campus, has been dissolved because the Greek community is very involved in the school. In fact they make up 25 percent of the student body. The Greek community does a great job of interacting with the school and doing a lot of community service work. One thing I have gained by being a part of the Greek system is creating friends from not only Sigma Chi, but from the other fraternities and sororities. I have friends in all houses, and it is nice to be well connected.

I find the University of Puget Sound to be a wonderful institution; I have nothing but high regards for it. Academically, I feel that the school has done a great job preparing me for my endeavors beyond college. There are a lot of clubs and organizations that Puget Sound offers. Knowing what you enjoy and finding what fits best for you will make your experience at Puget Sound a memorable one. The Greek system is just one of many things that Puget Sound has to offer. It happens to fit best for me, and I am thankful for it because it has been a memorable journey thus far.  

Cole and Napoleon plan to live in the Sigma Chi house next year.