Good evening, brothers. Even though it has been over a month since my
appointment, I feel I must formally introduce myself. My name is Austin
Bordelon. I am a Biochemistry major from the Beta Gamma chapter at Louisiana State University , and I am
your new Southwest District Co-Member at Large. Although my term is short, I
hope to leave a big impression. Once
President Helen and the rest of the District Council notified me of this incredible
honor, I was speechless. After the
initial shock wore off, I realized all of the work that this office would
entail; however, I was prepared for the challenge… or so I thought.
Once the spring semester began and Louisiana entered an
unprecedented freeze, I began to experience serious abdominal pain. I initially thought it was because of
something that I ate and eventually the pain would dissipate. Unfortunately,
the pain was consistent. Once the campus thawed, I sought attention at the Student Health
Center, where, after testing, the doctor told me I needed to go to a bigger facility. So I
drove to my hometown and spent the night in the hospital, which hindered my
participation at the North Texas Workshop. I was so disappointed to miss the
opportunity to meet the Joint SWD Council and the many brothers at the
workshop. However, they as well as
the brothers from my chapter reassured me that my health was more important. I was
soon discharged from the hospital and given antibiotics, hoping to regain my
active condition and commence my council work… but would I?
Unfortunately, my antibiotic therapy created new and worse
problems. So I visited a clinic that referred
me to a gastroenterologist due to my many symptoms. When we met the gastro., we scheduled three
procedures (all in the same day) because my symptoms correlated to three
different conditions. We also had to
schedule them on Mardi Gras to avoid interfering with classes. As a
Louisianan, I was distraught because a special holiday was taken away from me; therefore, I needed
something to take my mind off of everything that had happened. And the Arkansas Area Workshop was just what I
needed! I could not wait for all of the
fun this weekend would hold.
However, it almost didn’t happen. On my way home to meet my
parents for the trip, driving conditions were not ideal. I began to swerve and
spin in the highway, but I managed to land safely and not hit another vehicle.
I was blessed to be safe, cause only minimal damage to my truck, and land 30 minutes
from my house. Once the dust was
settled, my parents had one question: “Do you still want to go to Arkansas?” My
answer was a definite “yes!” I needed time away from everything, and since I
was not injured in the accident, I was determined to go.
I’m sure you’re probably thinking a few things: “OMG!!! Are
you okay???” “I can’t believe you actually traveled in your condition.” “Why didn’t you just say home or under a rock
where it’s safe?” Well, I am feeling
better and will receive a proper diagnosis and treatment next week. I needed
to travel because I thought about all of you, my brothers. My chapter and council brothers gave me
nothing but love, kindness, and support.
In a time when I needed it most, the brotherhood was there for me. In return I needed to show strength and
determination. I needed to show that I
could still strive for the highest. The
wonderful hospitality that I received at the Arkansas Area Workshop was more
than I could have asked for.
Congratulations to the TBS sisters of Gamma Xi at Arkansas State University
for hosting such a well-organized and effective event; moreover, the hotdogs
were great. This weekend was exactly what I needed before my procedures. And now that they are finished, I plan to continue the work I stated with gusto.
Kappa Kappa Psi Co-Members at Large Josh Stickney (left), Austin Bordelon (right) and Tau Beta Sigma Vice President of Special Projects Meredith Crawford (center) at the Arkansas Area Workshop
In summation, in your time of need, where all seems dark, do
not be afraid to cling to your brothers.
From the beginning of your process they were there for you, and they will
continue to shower you with support.
AEA,
Austin J. Bordelon
