Nicole Pasia, Gamma

If you asked me a couple of years ago that I would hop on a plane to Stillwater, Oklahoma to spend a week in 100+ degree weather with a bunch of band geeks, I would say you’re right—at least about the band geeks part.

I’ve been to a couple district events before, but this was my first National Convention. When I joined the fraternity as part of Gamma’s Alpha Kappa class in 2018, I had no idea I would soon be able to experience the Brotherly bond that holds KKY together on the national scale, let alone during our Centennial year.

Everything I learned about in education came to fruition as I attended panels about how to recruit the best possible MC class, mental health, and applying the ritual to our everyday lives as band members and Brothers. I was also so excited to attend a social media workshop from Robert Bratchter (National Publications Manager/Multimedia Designer). As Gamma’s Publications Committee head, I’m really looking forward to applying what I learned to my own committee!

I was especially awed that I was able to see and hear from members of our National Council. I was able to attend a workshop from now–Vice President for Colonization & Membership Jessica Lee, and help the Western District vote on other members of this biennium’s Council. (Also I casually spotted Immediate Past President Evan Thompson at Qdoba during one of our lunch breaks!)

Finally, I was most excited to meet Brothers from all around the country. Gamma was also fortunate enough to have dinner with the Alpha chapter at OSU!

I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to visit the birthplace of an organization that has come to mean so much to me. My desire to serve college and university bands has never been stronger. Here’s to 100 more years of music, service, brotherhood, and striving for the highest!