[wareagle93]

Part II: The 2nd Visits & The Decision

Bengals Visit #2

The Cardinals really, really impressed me. In the case of the Eagles, I encountered and hit it off with a few kids from my area. The Saints were out of the running, as I did not feel comfortable with them (obviously I did not receive a bid as well). I could easily envision myself in any of the four remaining organizations on my list. The problem? I had not received bids to two terrific houses. However, I had received invites to come back for another event. Would that be good news?

The first of the two organizations that I visited for the second time was the Bengals. I was not sure if they’d recognize me, but, low and behold, within the first minute upon my arrival I received multiple high fives from a few of the guys I had hit it off with a few weeks earlier. We continued the trend of great conversation that we had the first time I visited. They went into further detail about their chapter here at AU and how they really embraced the “Auburn Family” concept. Shortly after, along with meeting some more rushees in between, I got introduced to some brand new members that I had not seen before. I then thought, “these must be the guys they were talking about last time that they wanted me to meet.” The group of guys I had gotten to know real well then left me alone with the three members I had never met. After introducing ourselves and shaking hands, they said they had heard really great things about me, and asked me to tell them some information about my background-why I wanted to join an organization such as theirs, and what I could offer. After answering these questions, they smiled and told me they’d like to welcome me aboard. Nearly speechless, I thanked them. For the third time, I asked an organization if it was alright to hold a bid-I told them I would make my decision relatively shortly. They did not have a problem with this what so ever. I thanked them, and went on my way.

Falcons Visit #2

I later attended an event sponsored by the Falcons. Once again, I was not sure if they would recognize me, but once again, my somewhat worrisome thoughts were put to rest. I cannot tell you how happy I was to see the group of guys I had a blast with just a few weeks prior. Much like the Bengals did, they went more in depth about their organization, not just at AU, but nation wide. Their “motto” really hit home with me and I really loved it. They then went more in depth with their philanthropy. I knew the basics from my own research and visiting them earlier, but they told me of all the programs they ran and how they organized fun events to raise money to spread awareness and promote their cause. My community service at home was along similar guidelines (although moderately different) and I thought to myself, “wow, would it be great to be a member here!” Some of the guys introduced me to a few members I had seen, but had not had the opportunity to meet the first time. They left me alone with them, and we became acquainted with each other. They had heard about me from the other brothers, but wanted to hear about me for themselves. I also asked more questions about their organization, and they were more than happy to answer them.

We connected so well! Then, about 20 minutes into the conversation, they all started to smile. They then excused themselves to attend to some other needs. I let them go, but my heart kind of sank. I thought to myself, “were they just playing along and nodding to everything I was saying? Did they just want to get the heck out of there and away from me by making up an excuse?"

I turned to some rushees close by and made some real good conversation. Turned out we would be living in the same off campus apartment complex. That was great! Meeting four people that were on the next floor. However, that still did not take away the confusion I just experienced. I thought to myself, “sure, I’d have no problem pledging the Bengals. Heck, I’d be honored too! But, the Falcons were clearly a cut above the Bengals, as great as they were themselves.” About two minutes later, I got a tap on the shoulder. It was one of the guys that I had met my first time and hit it off with. He asked me to come with him, as he wanted to show me something outside. When we arrived, there were the other members I had met the first visit as well as the others I had just met within the last hour. “What is going on?” I thought to myself.
(I'm paraphrasing here) “It’s been really great that you came back to visit. It was even greater to get to know you even better a second time. We’d be honored to extend to you a bid on behalf of the Falcons Fraternity of the Cam Newton Chapter here at AU.”

I was completely stunned. Literally caught off guard…just stunned. I told them how honored and humbled I was, and that I would accept. They all seemed really happy. Not that many other kids received bids that day, but one of them was a fellow rushee that I had run into for the 2nd time at a Falcons summer event. We live in the same apartment complex and we have become really good friends. I can never thank the members of the Falcons enough. From the moment I got to know them and learn about what they stood for, I knew this was the perfect place for me. We had a lot of similar interests and the same personality. The other organizations (Eagles, Cardinals and especially the Bengals) were all fantastic, but this was an opportunity I just could not pass up. I have no regrets, and I have met a few of my pledge brothers-I have no doubt we’ll be extremely good friends for not just the next four years, but for the foreseeable future. I cannot wait to meet the rest of my pledge class as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. War Eagle!