To the new members of UNLV CKI:

In the animal kingdom, there are packs, herds, schools, prides, flocks, colonies...all kinds of groupings for the different species out there.

In CKI we have a family.

In my lifetime, I have been, for the most part, a lone wolf. I was content playing video games without a player two, I didn't join any clubs, and didn't really need a study buddy or anything. Ever since being exposed to CKI, all that has changed.

I was once a freshman member like you - fresh into college, low motivation, high apathy for the things around me. I was kinda forced into my first CKI event by my friend, Calvin Luo. It was there I met Nathan Viloria, the president at the time, and he welcomed me into the club.

Now all of that is history. I had the best time getting to know new people, reaching out to my community, learning fun new games and cheers, being a part of videos, going out to Cali for the first time without my parents, and doing things I never thought I would have done alone. For once in college, I felt like I belonged and it could never have been with a better bunch of people.

It felt like being in a family.

It is with these memories that I ran for president, hoping to create the opportunity for you to experience what I had and much more.

Now you are being installed. The past 2 and a half months have been a crazy ride - just about as crazy as my first year - and I hope you loved every bit of it as much as I did. It was a pleasure getting to know all of you at our projects, during and after meetings, and on the loooong ride to our Cali adventures. I am damn proud of all that you have accomplished as part of the club and welcome you to the next level of your experience.

In CKI, we are a family. I'll admit, it feels weird when I have to be a president and all and tell volunteer coordinators "I have some members coming along," because what I really want to say is "I have my friends coming too". I love each and every one of you, and I can see the potential that you all have. I know you will do great things, whether it be with us or out in the world on your own path, but I can say that tonight I am damn proud to make you officially one of us.

We are a family. We support each other through the good times and the bad. I hope you can count on us when you need a helping hand just as much as you know we will be there to share in the good times. Don't be afraid to step out of your shell, try out new things, live and learn. You will always have the support of your new family, after all.

"...dedicate ourselves to the realization of mankind's potential." It's the line we scream out the loudest in the pledge. You are a member of UNLV Circle K, now. It's your time to shine. It's your time to be the best. I already know you will do great.

Welcome to the family!