Brother Interview: Chris Sheldon '04

This week's brother interview is on brother Chris Sheldon '04!

Basic Stuff:

1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated?

Chris Sheldon

2. Your current location?

Swedesboro, NJ

3. Your Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn account links (or other websites as well)?
https://www.facebook.com/chris.sheldon.988

Fraternity Stuff:

4. Badge Number?

57, or something like that

5. Pledge Class Name?

Eta

6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it?

I remember it had something to do with my martial arts background and initials, but can't remember what exactly.

7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it?

See above. It was never really used, so I don't recall.

8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi?

There are too many fond memories of being a phi psi. Some of the really good ones, I can't say here. I will say that, during pledging, we had an event in which my class was broken into team and we had to find certain objects/arrive at certain destinations at a specific time/make phone calls at a specific time with the correct answer to questions found in said locations. It was more fun than I can remember. We ended up at one of our Philly chapters for a party. That was probably one of the most well planned, entertaining nights I ever had in college...until I got to help set fun activities up for the new guys.

9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi?

Not sure if I ever really had an "embarrassing moment". I'm pretty shameless. Though, I do remember some other brothers' embarrassing moments.

10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi?

Can't pick just one. All of the fundraising and philanthropy work we ever did, attending brother's weddings, attending funerals...the list goes on. moments are as proud as you make them as far as I'm concerned. I'm proud enough to have the brothers that I have and all of the moments we ever made/make are a part of it.

11. Any unique memories from your time as a Phi Psi?

Refer to question 9. I'd like to think that all of the memories are unique in their own way, but there are certainly life lessons that were learned, possibly a bit quicker and with greater ease, having the support that the fraternity offers.

12. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?

There's too much advice to be given. One phrase I've always said and have tried to lived by is; "expect nothing from anyone and anything from everyone". Also, build bridges wherever you go and don't burn them. Think before you act. Actions have consequences, some of which aren't always the easiest to predict, and may affect more than just you. Be yourself. Actually listen to others. I don't mean that you should live your life based on what others tell you, but don't ever negate what someone else says. Just because you don't believe it, doesn't mean there's no value to it.

13. When was the last time you visited Rowan or the chapter?

Unfortunately, it's been a while. I used to be around much more often, but the 2hr distance I had made showing face a bit more difficult. Now that I'm back in the area, I'd love to make be around more when possible.

14. What is favorite event the chapter holds?

Formal was always a fantastic event. Rush week was a blast as well. Anything that gets the brothers together is a beautiful thing.

15. Who's the 1 brother you want to reconnect with / see interviewed here?

That's a good question...with a horrible answer. I'm not sure at all.

16. Name 1 friend you made in NJE you still keep in touch with...

Why just 1? Fine, Burnham. There are certainly others though.

Career Stuff:

17. Year you graduated from Rowan?

2006

18. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with?

Bachelors in Psychology

19. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have?

BCaBA and currently attending the Rutgers for my MSW/LSW/LCSW

20. Your current occupation?

Behavior Analyst

21. Number of years in that occupation?

4 years or so

22. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?

Find work that makes you happy. If you're going to be doing it for the most of or the rest of your life, you should enjoy it as much as possible.

23. What's one piece of advice you'd give every undergraduate about networking?

I think this applies to #22 as well...

Much like I said earlier, build bridges and don't burn them. People say connections are important, but you never know just how far they can get you until you have them. Work on your "people skills". Situations handled in the work place, regardless of profession, involve people somehow, someway. Be mindful of how you speak (tone, vocabulary, etc) and learn/practice interacting with people. Face to face preferably. If you can do it in person, you can do it over the phone or through the computer.

Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff:

24. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long?

Sorry everyone...I'm taken. I have been with my girlfriend, Lauren, for 2 1/2yrs roughly.

25. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names?

My girlfriend has a kid, that I like to treat as my own. Her name is Ava and she just turned 4.

26. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spending time with the girlfriend and little one. Getting jam sessions together with friends. I play guitar, but I am primarily a vocalist. Working out. I'm a bit of a comic nerd, so reading those. Reading various other books relating to science, philosophy, psychology.

27. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?

Not particularly. That's for no reason other than not knowing what to say. Everyone can feel free to contact me if they're that interested in getting to know me. I'm down for hanging out, whenever I can find the time between family, work, and school.