Janson Smith Recipient of the Zeta Lambda - Bell Chapter Scholarship during the 2020-2021 academic year. Chapter: Zeta Lambda School: Kent State University Graduation Year: 2024

My Testimonial

"A Sigma Chi isn't made, a Sigma Chi is found." One of the core reminders of the recruitment process, this principle guides our analysis and selection of brothers who we welcome into the chapter- the values of Sigma Chi are so central to its brothers and its chapters that they are unlearned, unteachable pillars and our goal is not to form them, but instead strengthen them within our brothers. Sigma Chi, on an international, local, and personal level, continues to do just that, challenging me not to look longingly at a value I wish I held or might learn, but instead empowers me to look within myself to identify where others saw those values in me. In times of weakness, my brothers challenge my understanding of the courage they see within me to make it through hard times. When brothers come to me for help, I am reminded of the wisdom they seek within me and of my dedication to bolstering that wisdom for the good of our brotherhood. When the grander organization offers opportunity for learning and growth, I see them feeding my high ambition and opening doors for further opportunity. These values of Sigma Chi, the values previously instilled within me, are called out and challenged within me to craft me not into a leader of men, but a better leader of men- a pursuit more infinite, challenging, and open than the previous. This scholarship is a simple reminder of the faith that my brothers internationally have placed in me and how they encourage me to further explore these values in my chapter, my education, and my pursuits throughout life. Many thanks to the brotherhood and donors that affirm and encourage this growth within me.