Kenneth Cheung's Alpha Phi Omega Universe
This was a letter I created in response to the negative feedback that I have been getting from the inter-chapter encounter with the University of San Francisco, Alpha Epsilon Nu Chapter. My attitude towards them was bad and I was not aware of it at that time. It was only later when I was reprimanded by the president that I realized the error of my ways.
375 S. 9th St.
San Jose, CA 95112
Dear Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Epsilon Nu Chapter,
Regarding to what happened and what did not happen on the afternoon of Sunday, February 8, 2004, I would like to say sorry on behalf of myself and the chapter that I represent. I have no excuse for my actions and acknowledge your uneasiness towards me and the Gamma Beta chapter (especially me).
You probably remember seeing me at the Hookah Café on 1st Street when your chapter was supposed to meet my chapter for a social gathering and inter-chapter event. What went wrong was the miscommunication on our behalf. It was hardly known that we were supposed to go bowling the day before, Saturday, February 7 with another chapter (Mu Zeta). But I believe that did not happen because nobody else knew about it. This perhaps caused the misinformation that was given to you. Due to our lack of communication, only five Gamma Beta Chapter members showed up at the café on Sunday. I understand how irked you were at our response to the event. I was disappointed in our chapter as well.
I cannot justify the words that came out of my mouth on that day. I admit that I was a little embarrassed at the turnout from my chapter’s side and surprised at your chapter’s turnout. I wanted to learn a little more about your organization and wanted to teach you about ours. I felt very compelled to talk to you to compensate for our lack of presence at the site. Unfortunately, I was not in the appropriate mindset to do so. I hope that you understand that my behavior was only my own behavior. I know that it may be quite offensive at many times. I had and still have difficulty controlling my sarcastic tone.
The other people in our chapter are much nicer people than me. If you take the time to know them, you may agree. Although I cannot reverse whatever damage that I did you, I could support your group in some way like attending your meetings and make sure I keep quiet the next time. I have no hard feelings against you. My purpose was not to make you feel unwelcome. All brothers and sisters of Alpha Phi Omega welcome each other no matter where they are from, and I should have done that too. My only wish is that you do not remember me whenever you think of the Gamma Beta Chapter.
Despite the events that occurred to your chapter, I learned great things from you. You are a very dedicated and much entwined community who are willing help each other despite the challenges you may face. It was absolutely wrong of us to take your composite portrait and we are now working on a policy that will prevent such crimes from happening again. We were indeed humbled at your awesome presence. As for myself, I need to do a little more thinking before I talk, and I promise you, it will happen.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Cheung
Active Member, Gamma Beta Chapter
2.17.2004