As an undergraduate member of The Delta Chi Fraternity at Appalachian State University I pay 1,000 dollars a year in dues.

This notion that I pay to be a part of an organization comes paired with a negative connotation frequently. However; I am aiming to disprove this negative connotation by considering the value in personal development obtained in my experiences.

Full disclosure: I am the president of a chapter of 60 members. My organization has made plenty of mistakes over the years and was placed on social probation in December.

In the past 6 months my chapter has grown tremendously. Members have attended risk management workshops and learned what a "red flag" in a relationship is. There have been growing pains but the men I am lucky enough to call brothers are learning the value in challenging the stereotypes that often come with "fraternity men".

As a leader of a prominent organization on campus it is very easy to go with the status quo. But as many car enthusiasts like myself will say:

Build it. Don't buy it"

To find the value in greek life we must build it ourself. Each and every one of us. Fraternities and Sororities aim to prepare their members for the world after school. We must challenge ourselves daily to build that value, not only for ourselves but for those around us.

As a chapter president I can adamantly say I have gained more than enough to justify the cost of membership.

How many 21 year olds can say they know how to file a tax return for a not for profit organization? My treasurer and I learned when we got a letter from the IRS saying we lost our tax exempt status.

How many 21 year olds can say they have worked to the point of internal combustion to better the other 59 members in their organization? If you want to find value make something happen for a large amount of people. Their reactions will make every headache worth it.

If you challenge your members and build something you are proud of the return on your "investment" will far exceed the cost of member dues.

Challenge yourself. Become a better you each and every day.

And push those around you to do the same.

It's remarkable how far your organization can go when you do those two simple steps.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Joining greek life and pushing myself and my brothers to improve daily has made the last 3 years of my life fulfilling in too many ways to count.

I hope you are able to take something from my experience and apply it to your life and/or situation.

If you have a few dollars to spare please click here to donate to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the International Philanthropy of Delta Chi. Anything and everything helps in the fight against cancer.

If you would like to follow my chapter and see how we are doing please click here.