The Sigma Lambda Beta Education Foundation is proud to announce Brother Santiago Aguiar from the Sigma Gamma Chapter at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a recipient of the 2020 Opportunity for Wisdom scholarship. Brother Santiago will be able to apply this $1000 scholarship towards his college expenses. Please read his letter and view his message below.
To the Brothers of the Most Honorable,
To begin, I would like to express my gratitude to the brothers of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated!!! I would also like to thank the SLB Education Foundation for choosing me as one of the two recipients for the 2020 Opportunity for Wisdom Scholarship. This scholarship not only brings a financial ease to my life but a great sense of pride, honor and confidence I have for Sigma Lambda Beta.
Coming into college I had no idea what was instore for myself. I was very shy and timid; I did not really put myself out there until a good friend from high school (now my Padrino) introduced me to the fraternity. At the time, I was severely hit by imposter syndrome as I went to a PWI, (Predominantly White Institution) this discouraged me to participate in class discussions, look for clubs to join and gave me a very little sense of inclusion. But when I met the brothers of SLB, I immediately clicked with the brothers, they were all very supportive and carried themselves in a great manner. Soon after I was a brother, I was given many opportunities to expand on my leadership skills, communication skills, initiative skills which inevitably gave me so much more confidence and an immense sense of inclusion at my school. My grades increased, I spoke up more and walked as if I was deserving of everything this world has to offer. I didn’t have time for self-doubt anymore, this fraternity not only changed and uplifted my college experience but it changed my life for the better as I lost the fear to fail, I believe this was pivotal for me because if one is not scared of losing or failing one will be open to many opportunities and there will be a lot more rewards in the future. My first year at the fraternity I juggled two positions I held recruitment chair and the philanthropy chair, it was quite difficult but I was able to push through and successfully complete my term. My second and last year at the fraternity I was the President of the Oh So StunninG Sigma Gamma Chapter at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I had set a goal immediate upon my presidency, which was to be named Fraternity Chapter of the Year by the end of my term. Through the chapter’s hard work and constantly upholding the principles of SLB we were awarded Fraternity Chapter of The Year for the 2019-2020 academic year, one of my proudest if not proudest moment of being a brother.
Today I can proudly say that through the professional development I experienced during my time as a brother, it prepared me to approach the “real world”. I was able to successfully apply and get accepted to San Jose State University in which I will start my Masters’ program during Fall 2020 term in addition, I accepted a fellowship through the Destination College Advising Corps presented by the University of California, Berkeley chapter. Every single professional meeting that was held by my chapter contributed to my professional development and for that I am forever grateful. Before I finish, I would like to thank my mom and dad for never giving up on me, I’m glad all their early mornings and late nights are being rewarded and I hope their sacrifices continue to get rewarded in every way possible. Finally, I want to thank not only the brothers of the Oh So Stunning Sigma Gamma chapter but to every brother who is advancing the fraternity with each meeting, each event, and the endless hours of community service they are sacrificing for the betterment of all. I am deeply humbled to receive this award.
Fraternally, Brother Santiago “Talache” Aguiar #70 Oh So StunninG Sigma Gamma Chapter University of California, Santa Barbara