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August 20, 2002
Consul: August 20th, 2002
Brothers—
Endings give way to new beginnings. For the undergraduates, the summertime now ends while life begins anew in the form of another academic year at Valparaiso. For many of us it is a time to pause and reflect as we prepare to jump into another year.
"Born". In the physical sense it means to enter the world. It is a beginning. Or oftentimes a time to start again. People are born and re-born everyday. For some it is found in religion, for some in relationships, and yet for others, their outlook on life itself.
I read a novel this summer that told the life of an ordinary man living a seemingly ordinary life, chronicling his ups and downs, his highs and lows. One chapter, however, sticks in my mind, for it focuses on this concept of 'born'. In the story, the man endures an evening of excrutiating emotional turmoil, getting to the point where he realizes that he is completely miserable where he exists in the grand scheme of things. And as he takes a long, cold walk home in the rain, he thinks on his life...and then vows to refocus and start over. At this moment he leaves his old world behind, and is born again into a new one.
We all have moments where we have the opportunity to 'be born'. To start over--fresh. For the undergraduates, our newest chance lies ahead in the coming days. We arrive to campus with clean slates, lofty goals and aspirations--with high hopes for the year ahead of us, be it in academic or chapter life.
Our alumni brothers also experience starting anew. Some start new lives in marriage, such as Andy Nunemaker in October. Meanwhile, others, such as Russ Zell, greet into their lives a new child. Many others start new jobs or careers--all providing opportunities of rebirth.
Specifically at Iota Sigma we begin anew with aims of advancing both our scholarship and service while continuing to maintain the strong bonds of brotherhood that exist between us. We like to say that the world expects more from us than that of other men--and now we again have a chance to fulfill and then exceed those expectations.
It's exciting to stand at the beginning of a long journey with the knowledge that you're embarking upon it with those you love--and trust. We are a group made up of guys that are capable of making you think.... laugh....work hard....and truly enjoy your life.
It's a great way to begin another year at Valpo.
Should you be in the area--or long for the beauty that is Northwest Indiana--drop us a line. We'd love to see you.
Guard well,
David Martens
drmartens99@yahoo.com