Recently, we had the opportunity to connect with our undergraduate Tribune Caleb Rahaim to ask him about his experiences in Sigma Chi, the Alumni mentorship program that he organized, and why it is so important for the Chapter to connect with Alumni.
Please keep reading below to see the full write-up from Caleb, in his own words.
The Professional Sigs program
My name is Caleb Rahaim, hailing from Hopkinton, MA, and I’m a senior studying Finance and Information Systems. I previously was our chapter’s rush chairman for two semesters (Spring ‘24 and Fall ‘24), and have now revived our chapter’s Tribune position. As for my career, I’m beginning my career in finance, but seeking to create my own venture one day and pursue entrepreneurship.
As Tribune, I have implemented the mentorship program and our Professional Sigs program, both of which were launched this past semester.
The Mentorship program was created by our former chapter advisor, Dennis O’Connell, and I, aiming to provide active brothers with professional mentorship and career guidance vital to starting their careers. This past semester, we matched 11 actives with 11 alumni based on career interests and alumni expertise. We are set to soon match more actives with more alumni this coming semester, so please reach out to [email protected] if interested. Through this program, we are bridging the gap between the chapter and alumni, while simultaneously advancing career development for our most ambitious brothers.
The Professional Sigs program is a series of meetings held in our chapter house, in which we bring in alumni to discuss their careers to shed light on possible paths and opportunities for our brothers post graduation. We also discuss topics and hold workshops for professional development musts such as networking, interview prep, and resume building.
This is one of the most important developments we have made as a chapter, and I am beyond grateful to all the alumni who have participated and offered their time and wisdom.
Finding a Home in the Chapter House
Coming from Massachusetts, I initially felt out of place. Within the first week of being here, I quickly found a home at Sigma Chi when an alumnus from my high school one year senior to me, Nick Lecesse, invited me to come hang out with him and his friends. I knew almost immediately that this was where I would spend my next four years. It did not take much convincing for me to join the brotherhood.
If I sat down with a pen and paper and began to write down my best memories in Sigma Chi, I would not stand up until graduation. If I had to name one, it would be moving into my house for my senior year. I live with 7 of my best friends in this house, and 7 more live in the house directly adjacent. Dirty dishes and nowhere to sit in your own living room aside, this has been the best experience of my life. I don’t think my future holds any situation that can replicate living with 14 of your best friends.
Sigma Chi Develops Future Leaders and Lifelong Brotherhood
Being involved with Sigma Chi has shown me my ability to be a leader. I got my first hint sophomore year when I became rush chair, and with the help of the chapter and my co-rush chair, Zach Byank, I was able to bring in our largest recruitment class in 50 years. Without this responsibility, I would not have developed into the leader I am today.
With graduation a mere 4 months away, I can already vividly see the impact this fraternity will have on my future. I’ve made countless meaningful relationships with every class I’ve shared with this fraternity so far. On top of that, I’ve connected with dozens of alumni whom I will stay connected with post-graduation as well. One alumnus who has had a significant impact on me is Dayne Warshofsky, who is my mentor. Life is dim without meaningful relationships. Sigma Chi has brightened it one hundredfold.
It seems like in today’s world, it is getting more difficult to create and build meaningful friendships. Young people are getting less comfortable with interacting with new people and often lack the skills to even create them. Modern technology has created a whole new level of escapism that people are using as a replacement for genuine human connection, whether consciously or not.
Sigma Chi provides a solution to that. You are introduced to nearly 200 brothers over your tenure here, and are provided the means to connect with a variety of shared experiences weekly and even daily. There is truly no better way to find a group of lifelong friends. As I mentioned earlier, everything in life is sweeter when you have people to share it with.
As for post-grad, you are left with these lifelong relationships, but also the social skills necessary to succeed and a nationwide community you can turn to for almost everything- whether that be career opportunities or meeting people in a new city.
Without Sigma Chi, I wouldn’t have the community I so deeply adore today.
Alumni Support is Crucial
Some may disagree, but no man has accomplished anything great or worthwhile without guidance from someone who has done it before. Whether it’s building your career, starting a family, or protecting your health, taking a risk, it’s achieved more effortlessly and effectively when you have someone your senior you can turn to. This is exactly why alumni support is so crucial—to help mold our brothers into men who are good people and successful in the endeavors that are important to them.
Thank you to the Alumni who have placed your valuable time into our chapter and our brothers. If you are reading this and believe you can make an impact as well, do not hesitate to reach out.
IH.
Caleb Rahaim, Tribune