Post 13

Interview with an active member of my Fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon.

David Otero: Pledge Class Fall 2011. Barry University. Miami Shores, Florida.

How long have you been an active member of TKE?
About a year and a half
When did you pledge?
Fall 2011
What made you decide to pledge?
Brother was a TKE and friends
Who has influenced you the most throughout your pledging process and brotherhood?
Prytanis Tyler
What role do you currently play in The Fraternity?
Histor - Held the duties of the Historian
How many active members are there?
27 in our Fraternity here at Barry. Biggest Fraternity in the Nation though
Does you consider yourself a fully active member?
Yes
What group activities or projects does your Fraternity have planned in the next few months?
Volunteering at Miami Marlins games when they start up. Chaptering. Formals. Red Carnation Ball.
What is your Fraternities motto?
Love, Charity and Esteem.
What does Love, Charity and Esteem mean as a member of TKE?
The way we should live our lives
What does Love, Charity and Esteem mean to you?
The characteristics exhibited by a true modern gentleman
Is there any jargon, lexis or word usage that is specific to your Fraternity?
Yes. Specifically the Roles we hold and in the meetings and gatherings we have
How can you identify active members?
Handshakes, certain sayings and responses that identify members
How do the members of your Fraternity communicate with one another?
Gatherings, texts, phone calls, skype
How does your Fraternity communicate with it's surrounding society and other branches of the Fraternity?
Volunteering, interacting with food drives and charities, conversing with other branches at national meetings such as Conclave
Did you have to change as an individual in order to join this Fraternity?
Not change, grew up but I am who I was
Has your values or identity changed as an active brother of TKE?
Yes, I am a part of something bigger than myself. My values are with the people I love, my family, friends and fraternal brothers. Of course my education and future are also large priorities
What kind of texts or forms of media does your Fraternity use in day-to-day happenings?
Teke Book, Teke Guide, internet, texts, cell phones, skype, etc.
What distinguishes you as a member of TKE?
My Fraternal beloning can be seen physically in what I wear, my jersey etc. and mentally in how I present myself to others
What distinguishes TKE from other fraternities?
Teke's are held to a higher standard. We are men for others.
Who has authority in The Fraternity and how was it gained?
The President and other active members of holding chair positions. Voting for positions are held every semester.
How does alumni stay involved?
Weekly conversations held with active members. Welcomed to TKE gatherings and meetings.
What costs, both monetary and physically/emotionally/mentally, are involved with affiliating with this Fraternity?
Semester dues as an active member. Sometimes there are situations that are demanding physically, mentally and emotionally.
What information is necessary knowledge upon becoming a brother?
There are tests that pledge brothers must pass in order to become a member. The Teke Guide must be memorized for the most part along with certain sayings