Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 6 SigEp Gator Heart I can confidently say the Tragos Quest to Greece is one of the most transformative and memorable experiences of my life. This trip, named in honor of Bill Tragos, brought together a select group of scholars from chapters across the country—all with the same desire to explore Greece's cultural and historical treasures alongside our amazing mentor and alumni team. At the end of June, I set out on this remarkable adventure. We traveled across Greece, but I will only talk about my favorite locations, starting with Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games. Standing in the very place where these ancient games first began and where the sacred torch is ceremoniously lit was nothing short of awe- inspiring. Visualizing what it was like to live there so many years ago while simultaneously learning about their way of life and philosophical teachings made it special. It was as if Olympia was timeless. In Delphi, we saw the Temple of Apollo, which was set against a backdrop of stunning mountains and natural beauty. The journey through this serene landscape, paired with the historical significance of Delphi as a center of prophecy and wisdom, made this location my favorite stop. There was something special about Delphi that is nearly indescribable. The views from our hotel, the narrow and cobbled streets, steep mountainous drop-offs from the road, and angered local salesmen. Words will never be able to convey what I felt and saw during my short time in Delphi. Our travels then took us to Athens, which was our last stop. From the Acropolis to the bustling markets and world-class museums, Athens offered a rich tapestry of experiences that deepened our appreciation for Greek heritage. It was the perfect destination to cap off an amazing trip, as it showed unique parallels between ancient and city life that is not seen in many other areas. I am not a fan of the city, nor did I overly enjoy it, but it was still the best conclusion to the trip. I would not have had the full Tragos experience without fear of being pickpocketed on my final night! What truly made this trip exceptional, however, was the camaraderie and experiences with my close friends from SigEp chapters across the country. This journey was not only about exploring ancient sites and learning about Greek philosophy but also about individually growing so that we could come closer as brothers. The shared laughter, late-night discussions, and moments of wonder as we experienced Greece together created bonds that will last a lifetime. The Tragos Quest to Greece was designed to immerse us in the philosophical teachings of ancient Greece, but it became so much more than that. It was an opportunity for personal growth and self- discovery, challenging us to reflect on our values and aspirations. I now have a unique knowledge and experience of Greek philosophy to encourage others to become the best versions of themselves, both personally and as members of this brotherhood that we cherish. The most beautiful thing about the trip, however, is not that it happened, but rather that it isn't over. The journey to become the best you will continue until your last day. Make the most of it! Luka Dobrilovic '26, Matthew Shake '25 and Wyatt Carlson '25 on the Tragos Trip to Greece. The Trip of a LIFETIME Matthew Shake '25 Shares His Favorite Aspects of the Tragos Quest to Greece Carson White '26 The Balanced Man Scholarship provided Cole Bennett '27 and me an amazing opportunity to recognize and reward hard-working young men who prioritized balancing a sound body and sound mind throughout their four years of high school. This summer, we advertised the scholarship to all incoming freshmen at the University of Florida. Applicants had the opportunity to meet with multiple brothers to learn about our Chapter and what sets us apart from other fraternities and receive valuable advice for their first year at UF. This program exemplifies the passion and commitment Florida Alpha strives to offer to the future leaders of the University of Florida. I am extremely grateful for the dedication of our vice president of recruitment, Sam Grant '26, as well as the support of the Florida Alpha Educational Foundation, which generously offered the scholarship funds and aided our brothers throughout the process. I hope the Balanced Man Scholarship gave the class of 2028 an insight into what makes us different from other chapters and encouraged everybody involved to raise their bar. Cole Bennett '27 The Balanced Man Scholarship has positively impacted my life in so many ways. Last year, I had the privilege of being awarded a BMS. Throughout the process, I learned about Sigma Phi Epsilon, our brothers, and our values. This scholarship and its process changed my life forever and is the main reason I'm a proud member of Florida Alpha. As a result, I was extremely honored to be named a BMS chairman for the 2024 cycle. I wanted to ensure that all applicants, winners or not, felt similar effects and impacts to those I had. Throughout the process, Carson White, Sam Grant, and I shared our experiences within Sigma Phi Epsilon with the diverse cohort of applicants. Between our hard work, collaboration, and the depth of applicants, we were extremely fortunate to have 20 well-deserving winners of the scholarship. The Balanced Man Scholarship continues to play such a crucial role in introducing the core values of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love to all incoming classes, and I hope to continue to play an effective role in spreading the messages and impacts of the process. Hear from Our BMS Chairmen THE 2024 BALANCED MAN SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS

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