THE TAU CLASS
OF OMEGA ALPHA
INITIATED FEBRUARY 14, 2007
#107 BROTHER DIABLO
My name is Brother Diablo and I was born at Hartford Hospital in CT. I lived in West Hartford, CT for about two years and then moved to East Hartford, CT where I spent most of my childhood until I was about 14 years old. I then moved to the small town of Torrington, CT. I have an older sister and a younger brother and they are a huge part of my life. I used to play ice hockey when I was a kid but I got more into basketball when I got to high school. At Torrington High School I joined the basketball team and played three years on the team. I love music and I play bass guitar. I played in a few bands during high school. The bands were never serious but we all had a good time and that’s what matters most. One of my favorite places to be is at the beach having good times with my friends. Most of the time we spend at the beach is taken up by skim boarding.
In high school I wasn’t an outstanding student but I got decent grades to get by. I wish I would have applied myself more. I took drafting classes in high school, but I went to a community college for computer programming instead. I realized that I completely overlooked drafting and I am so glad I chose to go to JWU. I got the chance to start over and work hard for my degree while applying myself to the best of my ability. I have a more positive outlook on things and I even surprise myself sometimes. So far I am having the best time of my life and I plan to make the most out of my college experience.
I never realized how beneficial the experience of being in a fraternity could be until I met the gentlemen of Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity. When I played on the basketball team it required a lot of time and dedication. I put everything I got into whatever it is that I do and I look forward to being involved and have the chance to make a difference. These experiences will stay with me for the rest of my life.
DEREK BRAY
#108 BROTHER NOMAD
My name is Derek Bray and I was born November 6, 1984 in Worcester, MA. I grew up in the rural town of Colchester, CT, where I attended Kindergarten through High School. I have an extremely supportive family which consists of my father Scot, my mother Nancy, and older sister Christy. Being from such a small town in the woods, I have garnered a true appreciation for the outdoors and everything it can offer.
As far back as I can remember I have been a pretty social person, both with adults and my peers alike. I enjoy meeting and interacting with new people everyday, because I feel that there is something to be said for the lessons one can learn from meeting others with different experiences and backgrounds. Not only that, but many of my greatest memories can be derived from that very principle. It led me to an interest in football, which I played from age 7 all the way through senior year in high school. In addition to football, I have enjoyed countless trips with my friends up north for camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, cliff diving, and my true passion, snowboarding.
I have been boarding since I was young, and credit my father for my love of winter sports. He was essential in developing my skills on a board, and has supported my efforts since the beginning. I look at snowboarding as a way to express my creativity and individuality. I love how diverse snowboarding is and try to experience all it has to offer. The year I graduated high school I tried competitions but it wasn't really coming together. It wasn’t until the following spring that I began to push myself mentally in preparation for what would become one of the best years of my life. I began riding with some of my east coast friends who can really kill it. After a few months of training every weekend on the mountain, I spent the better part of 2 years traveling as much as I could, competing in Boarder Cross events, and meeting some amazing people along the way. And although I am certainly nowhere near their abilities, the experiences I’ve encountered gave me a realistic perspective on the kind of work ethic it takes to get to the top. Once again, another philosophy I learned while socializing that can be applied to all facets of life.
Through all of life’s obstacles one thing has remained constant, my understanding that only through hard work and dedication can one attain “true” success. That motivation has ultimately led me to where I am today. I have tried to apply these life experiences to my professional interests as well as every task I take on. I am currently studying to become a Hospitality Manager in the Restaurant Business, with hopes of opening my own establishment within the next 10 years. I am proud to be continuing my education here in Providence, and I look forward to preparing myself for the next chapter of my life. After all my travels and adventures these past few years, I am confident that I have found my place here at Johnson and Wales and among the brothers of Tau Epsilon Phi.
JOSHUA L. KOHN
#109 BROTHER GLIB KID
My name is Joshua Lee Kohn, and I was born on December 4th, 1987, in Newark New Jersey. I have a mother named Beverly, a father named Larry, and a younger sister named Amanda. I lived in Rockaway, New Jersey until fourth grade and then I moved to Hillsborough, New Jersey and have lived there ever since. I have always been into sports, and have played almost every one mentionable. My list of sports includes, but is not limited to baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, and snowboarding.
Growing up, I had many obstacles that I needed to over come. In addition to my grandfather and great grandmothers passing away, one major even happened in my life that changed everything. Last October, April 30th, 2006, my best friend was killed in a drunk driving accident. Because if this event, my outlook has changed on everything. I always live my day like it could be the last, and never regret anything. I have always wanted to join a fraternity so when the opportunity arose, I jumped on it.
I chose to come to Johnson & Wales originally because I wanted to be a chef. Upon my arrival, I realized that I wanted to change my career path to Sports/Entertainment/Event Management. Throughout high school, I worked in a number of different restaurants. I didn’t particularly like some of the aspects in Restaurant Management, so I decided to do the next best thing which happens to be Sports / Entertainment / Event Management
I have always enjoyed being part of something, and coming to college I didn’t have that anymore. I think that is one of the major reasons I chose to join a fraternity. I want to be part of something larger than myself, and a group that stands for something good. I believe that becoming a brother of Tau Epsilon Phi would give me this sense of belonging that I have been looking for.
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