My memories of the National Convention in Philadelphia 2000 can't be summarized in just one story that has a beginning, middle, and an end. . .but snapshots in my mind that all run together in no particular order. . .
At Union Station in Washington, DC, me and my chapter Brother Jason ("Animal" #6-MA-Fa99) stopped at the McDonald's to grab some breakfast before we left. Jason was reading a biography of W.E.D. DuBois, and I had passed onto him the packet of proposed amendments to read over on the train ride up to Philly. . .it was a great train ride. We kept singing "Philly-Philly. . .philly where I am from. . "
We had plans to share a room with Bro. Neil Wade from Alpha Phi Chapter at Wash. U. in St. Louis. That in itself was an amazing time, sharing ideas from two vastly different chapters.
I met Randy Finder for the first time at the opening ceremonies. I was like "WOW! That's Randy Finder!" In fact, meeting all the national board members and former presidents WAS like meeting celebrities. Col. Young was even in a workshop with me!
We finally found Neil with the Brothers from Chico, who we unfortunately never saw again, but I do keep in contact from time to time.
We met some Brothers from Alpha Epsilon in the APO Store. They were definitely on point. Truly the epitome of Friendship.
I was the only one from my chapter to attend the fellowship banquet, and it was definitely worth it. I took a picture with the National President of APO Phillipines! I also sat with the chapter from Boston University, and shared some ideas with their co-pledge trainers. We would both be in charge of our Spring '01 pledge classes.
The most random memories are from those loooong hours on the convention floor. Pledging definitely prepared me for that. You really get close to whoever your other voting delgate is. . .he had jokes on ALL the other delegates. In truth, we had jokes on everyone, including Stan "the Man" Carpenter.
In the end, the National Convention had so many memories and jokes and good times. . .it made me closer to my chapter brother, and created some bonds that last to this day. I know that I can count on Brothers from EVERYWHERE if I ever needed soemthing. I expect to have as much fun if not more this winter in New Orleans.