Conquistador #1
Name: Aaron Enrique Almada
School Status: Undergraduate
Major: Political Science

Crossover Date: December 7, 2003
Age: 19
Contact info: Aaron.Almada@asu.edu

This is a hard question to answer, not because I don’t have any reasons, but because I have too many of them. I embarked onto this journey not knowing what to expect, but I did, however, bring with me goals that I want to accomplish. First of all, I want to be part of this group that through the unity of brotherhood, believe in the support, advancement, and preservation of the Latino cultures. For years, many of us have established ourselves in a land that promises a lot, but has yet to keep those promises. Being a part of this brotherhood would give me the opportunity, through collective action, to make a difference in our community, our city, our state, and someday our countries.

As a Lambda, I hope to build upon my leadership skills in order to be able to lead and represent our people someday in Congress. The unity that Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc. offers is like no other. An organization that is much more than a student club; it is an institution that brings men from all different types of backgrounds and teaches them the real importance of unity, respect, and the commitment that we must make for our peoples. It is here that I feel most comfortable, with other guys who really want to make a difference and that have the same goals and ambitions that I do.

The Latino people are no longer a minority here in the United States, and it’s about time that we are given our rightful and much overdue place in American society. Lambda Theta Phi has been around for how long now?, twenty-eight years without any failures--- that should tell the American people something. We have been together for that long and they better believe that it’s never going to stop. I believe that being a Lambda would allow me to learn more about other Latino cultures and get to know what their needs are so that I too can make those my own. The only way we can put a stop to suppression is by working together and trying to push one agenda. I have come to find that the Lambda brothers do not know the meaning of selfishness; if one of the brother’s country faces the issue of poverty then so does the countries of the other brothers. This is exactly the environment I want to be part of.

On a more personal level, I want to let you guys now that I am totally stoked about the whole concept of brotherhood. I grew up with three sisters and absolutely no brothers. I want to say that I found my male role model in my father, but he left us when I was merely a child and he was never around; in fact one of the very few times that I remember what he looked like was when he was in the hospital, on his deathbed. Thus far, all of you brothers have taught me many things and I hope that this learning experience persists way beyond pledging. You are part of a group of very few men that I know who are truly genuine and kind to each other at all times, and I am almost certain that any of you would drop whatever you were doing if another brother was in dire need of help.

Finally, I think that community service/service learning is what works as the adhesive to keep this unity together. It is in this sector that you learn how to humble yourself and put your needs aside to realize that there are others who need your helping hand. There are so many things that Lambda offers and if given the privilege to become one, I hope that I can build upon the foundation of unity, trust, care, and knowledge set by the forefathers and brothers.

I want to become a Lambda for several reasons, one of those reasons that drove me to pledge was that I wanted to have brothers that gone through the similar struggles as me. Also, I wanted brothers who knew how to appreciate my culture and the things that were important to me. LAMBDA THETA PHI, LATIN FRATERNITY INC. is the organization that will help me in my endeavors and would stand for everything that I believe to be true. After getting to know all of the brothers with time, or the fraternity in general I realized that this organization has a lot to offer along the lines of brotherhood, respect for culture, and Latin unity. Slowly but surely, I gained more knowledge regarding Lambda Theta Phi history, ideals and accomplishments. All of which needless to say I closely identify with. I’ve done my own research on Lambda Theta Phi, and I was very impress on the outcome and feed back from the community and organizations they have helped throughout their community service around campus and elsewhere. I know for a fact that these brothers will be there for me as much as I will. One way that I would benefit from this fraternity is knowing that I will always have brothers for life, and I wouldn’t have to worry about feeling lonely or lost. It will make me very proud that I’ve earned my letters and I can finally walk around campus or walk pass other fraternities with a proud feeling that I’ve pledge for the first Latin Fraternity in the nation. I’m most grateful to the brothers of Alpha Sigma Chapter, especially big brother Erick I. Guevara of Omicron Chapter for introducing me to a fraternity that promotes respect for all generosity, service to the “weak” and puts on a fight to protect the truth. Also, for getting me involved in this fraternity that will help me become a much better person and will offer me an opportunity in life to explore my horizons in every way possible.