When did you know?
 

Sorors,
When did you know that you wanted to be a Soror of our illustrious sorority? What was that defining moment? :)

Interested women, was there a defining moment when you knew that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was the Sorority to which you aspired?

SC

When you think of a sorority, one of the descriptions is that it is an exclusive organization. And the definition of 'exclusive' is 'limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group; excluding others from participation'. But when I think of the organization in which I am interested, I don't really think of it as being an 'exclusive' in all senses of the word.

Yes, only the most priviledged and most qualified women are able to call themselves members of this esteemed organization. But from my very first interaction with the members of this organization, not once have I felt ostracized. In fact, I have been warmly embraced by the members with whom I have come in contact.

I have so many examples that span over the course of the 5 years that I have been an interest of the organization, but because we are talking about defining moments, I'll share my experiences from Freshman year.

I was excited because this would be my first chance to see these women in action on my campus, and I was highly impressed by the friendly way in which they greeted people. In my naiveté, I assumed that people in GLO's only interacted with non-greeks when they were doing community service, and once the volunteer work was over they'd all run back to their respective organizations and wouldn't dare mingle with the 'common folk' ;)Of course, I was proved wrong in so many ways.

Since I was a child, I had dreams of becoming a writer, but I was unsure of my abilities. I viewed college as the time to explore my aspirations, so it was only right for me to take the leap and test my abilities. I decided to join the school newspaper staff. And my first assignment happened to be an event for the members of the organization in which I am interested. I arranged a meeting with several members before and after the event, and I was so nervous because not only was I going to be spending time with the women I so admired, but it would be the first time my writing would be published and I wanted everything to be perfect. As soon as I sat down and began to talk to the members of the org. my mind and spirit were at ease. I can't believe I had enough information to go into the article because we all talked about everything imaginable. I'd confessed to them that this would be my first time writing for the paper and that I was a little worried about whether or not my writing could be a gift that I shared with the world. They all assured me that I could do anything I put my heart into. A few days later, my article ran in the paper, and the women of the org. just loved it. I got phone calls all week long from the members congratulating me. I was stopped while walking on campus and given the biggest smiles and hugs and encouraging words. They thanked me for presenting them in a positive light because I was the only Black person on the newspaper staff and not too many BGLO's got good publicity, if any, in the school paper. And they all told me, "I knew that you could do it!" Yeah, it's cheesy. But after that day, I realized that they were all right. I COULD do it. Unfortunately, I ended up transferring to another school, so I didn't have many more times to spend with the women of that particular chapter, but the story I just shared was just one of several that have stayed with me all this time. But I did end up graduating with a degree in English, a major I wouldn't have thought of pursuing if it hadn't been for the encouragement given to me by the women of this org. And I joined the newspaper staff at my new school and continued writing. Today, I'm working on a book of poetry and my first novel.

There have been so many times where I've socialized with my Memberfriends and have been the only person who is not a member, and I still have the best time with them. In a situation like this, it could be easy for one to feel out of place, but my friends have gone out of their way to make sure I feel comfortable. I have to admit, sometimes I turn down invitations to hang out because I don't want to become the 'tag along'. But I've been dubbed the 'honorary member' by more than one group of friends from different chapters in the area. I've never let them know, but when they call me their 'honorary member', it makes my heart smile. :D

I've been content with the relationship I have with the organization, as an outsider looking in, because I've enjoyed all the interactions I have had with Her and Her members. But now I crave something more. I'm ready for my personal , special relationship. I'm ready to make another interested sister feel the way I did 5 years ago when I met my first Memberfriend. I'm ready to see the sparkle in her eyes when she realizes that the love she has for the organization is real, just like it happened to me.

I no longer want to be on the receiving end of a warm embrace by a member, I want to be the one extending my arms out to others. I no longer want to be writing in the school paper about events put together by the organization, I want to be working side by side with the women and making these events come to life. I no longer want to be the unofficial picture taker when I go out with my Memberfriends and watching them interact with each other from the outside, I want to feel closer to them than I already feel now. I no longer want to be dubbed the 'honorary member', I want it to be official.

The match was struck my freshman year, the tiny fire has been fed for so long now by my experiences, and now the flames can't be controlled. I can honestly say that I love, respect, admire, and revere this organization. And if I never get the opportunity to become a member, I'd be okay with that (after going through my mourning period, of course LOL) because I'm a better person due to my experiences with the organization as a Sisterfriend. I'll always remember the lessons that were taught to me. I'll always remember the smiles and the laughter I shared with the members. I'll always remember the times when my heart and my spirit were broken and a member was there to wipe my tears. I'll always remember that I can do anything I put my heart into.

I could go on and on and on about my experiences with the women of this organization, but I don't want to bore you all LOL! I can't help but to be in love with the organization and all it stands for. I can't help but to have nothing but respect and admiration for the women of this organization. As an interest, the organization has enriched my life in so many ways, I can only imagine how astoundingly beautiful it is to experience Her as a member.

***Sorry I got so long-winded!!!***

Re: When did you know?
 

Well since I was a 3rd generation legacy (not that type ;) ), I remember as a child my third grade teacher was a Delta and went to college with my mother and they would joke about eachother and how she was gonna set me straight and get me on the crismon road, but I always wanted to be an AKA, even then and I loved my third grade teacher. They just always had such grace, class and style, I always wanted to be one, I think it it was "predestined", which happens to be my line name. :cool:

I remember first knowing about sororities and fraternities when I used to watch a different world. That show really inspired me to want to go to college and not be like Denise. lol

Then I saw school daze and it was over. I feel in love with the Alpha's and their step I remember stepping just like then when I was in middle school. I was a tomboy then. lol

I've been pondering this question and didn't want to answer abruptly or without thinking...but the defining moment for me came after research of several sororites and prayer. Yes, prayer. Someone will say that prayer isn't needed in a pursuit like this but it definitely is. I had to check myself to make sure that I wasn't pursuing for the things that I beheld by my eyes but that which was stemming from my heart, with that, the programs that I've witnessed, the ladies that I know, met and come to know intimately and have impacted my life, all these woman had one thing in a common - they are women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. They are women who uphold the law! They are women who are sophisticated and graceful! They are women who think it not strange to help someone at their lowest point! They are women who go beyond themselves to achieve a greater and common good! These are the women who I seek to be like. These are the women who shine through the darkness leaving footprints on tender hearts. The defining moment is realizing that with every turn, at any stage, you are destined to encounter one of the women. I too, desire to have and leave such a legacy and an impant on generations to come.

I was always interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. especially since I witnessed first hand the involvement/impact the members had in/on the community since my mother and several family members are Sorors. I knew I wanted to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. my senior year of high school when I became a debutante of a local graduate chapter. The Sorors of NGO chapter were really helpful in preparing me for college and life. Why wouldn't anyone in their right mind not want to be apart of an organization that provide amazing service to all mankind.

Two of my close Aunt's have been and still are active members of your sorority since the 70s. When I was very young I ask them if I could ever join they and they suggested I do research. This research led me to read several histories of member's of your organization. This search not only made me more informed about your organization but African-American history as well ... something I was not formally taught in PW schools I attend/ed. The success of those members lit a fire within me and has inspired me to pursue great things and better the lives of all African Americans.

My aunts are all members of different types of organizations, so I knew that the bottom line was that all greek letter organizations had the same basic purpose. I knew that I had to figure out what best fit me, and what I could give back to that organization. I observed the chapters, but also the organization as a whole. Some people want to join ABC organization, based on the chapter and who is more popular, etc. I knew that I was destined to be a contributing member to AKA when I noticed their initiatives mirrored exactly what I wanted to do. I knew that I would be an awesome member. In the Spring of 1997, I was given that opportunity to serve, and have done so for almost 10 years. (March 30 of this year!!!) I can't believe I'm almost 10 years active!!! Feels really good.

The first time I think I knew for sure was towards the end of the first semester of my senior year in college. I had been researching sororities for a while, trying to decide which one, if any, I wanted to join. I had seen all of the sororities in action on my campus, but to be very honest, when I started my research, I was sure that it would lead to the conclusion that I shouldn't join any.

What struck me immediately about the women who were a part of our lovely sisterhood on my campus was how gracious they were. They were scholars and leaders on the campus, women that I knew and respected before they became members, but they were also humble and always sisterly, even to women who were not members. That is so important to me--how can you purport to be a sisterhood and then behave in an unsisterly manner toward people outside of the chosen few. When I started to read the history of the organization and I learned the motto "By Merit and By Culture", I knew this was the organization for me. It gave me a little thrill, that realization. The founders' desire to serve the community with that particular aim in mind meshes exactly with my philosophy of how to become a better human being. So it was the sisterhood, displayed by the members, and the purpose that clinched it for me.

It truly was research that lead me to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. It took seven years for that dream to come true, and now that I am on the other side, I understand that motto even better. Whenever I pause to think that I am now a soror, I am thrilled anew, and I know that that is a feeling that I will have for the rest of my days.

SKEE-WEE Sorors.

Oh and it is my four month AKAversary today. :D

To Keep It Plain, Short, and Simple.....

Class :D

My Sophomore to Junior year in college during the summer. Before I left for college that summer, my parents had an "early" birthday party for me. My father dressed up in his Alpha 'nalia and my mother dressed up in her AKA 'nalia. I don't know how intentional it was because if my mom did it, I was against it...

But, it was so nice of my family to give me a "going away early" birthday party. Then, the sheet cake came out and is was all pink and green flowers. And at that point, I realized who was there. All my mom's chapter with a few Delta friends. Most of the men were Alpha's, the Kappa's and the Omega's.

At that point, I wanted to stay with legacy, heritage and tradition. At that point, I knew I wanted to pursue the ivy leaf pledge club...

The only regret I have is I did not pledge in Pi Chapter--my mom's chapter.

I was a sophomore in high school. My high school counselor was/is a Soror. She was the ideal role model, I wanted to be her when I grew up. I had no clue what a sorority was, but when preparing to visit college campuses she sent me to her "old stomping grounds" for the shadow program; it lasted a week. She told me to look out for her Sorors, they would be the ladies in pink & green, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

So, when I got there, I did just that, looked for the ladies in pink & green. It just so happened that my escort was/is a Soror...she took real good care of me. I was so dumb, I was asking her questions about AKA that I now know are a NO-NO, but obviously she knew I meant no harm; so, she entertained me. She talked to me about the D9, introduced me to sistergreeks and told me that if I was truly interested in becoming apart of a Sorority that I should evaulate each one because each was special in their own unique way...blew me away...I was thinking she would be hyping AKA. :p

I returned to school, told my counselor about my visit and did some additional D9 research on my own; she never attempted to sway my decision. One of my classmates is now a Delta, she is legacy, so of course she was hyping Delta, but she told me some information I had never heard, the "labels." AKA's were stuck up, fair in complexion, etc.

Honestly, that was my deciding factor, and not because I thought I was stuck up nor that I'm fair in complexion, it was just the opposite. My counselor & my escort where both dark in complexion and defied EVERY "label" my classmate mentioned to me. They were leaders, demanded respect, full of character, charm, tenacity and intergrity. They were classy, always had a kind word and two of the most humble women I had ever met.

So, I marched into my counselor's office and told her I wanted to be an A-K-A...I was full of excitement. Her reply to me was, "keep your grades up, study, be involved on campus and continue your community service." I asked her why she never attempted to sway my decision, and her response was, "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., speaks for itself, there was no need for me to attempt to make Her light shine any brighter than it already is." I was hooked, still am!!! I was hungry, I gathered every piece of information I could about AKA, I kept a low profile and stayed very discreet...I learned what not to say through others mistakes. :) When I was initiated, I called my counselor and when she answered I started singing our national hymn, we both cried like babies.

I was really trying to keep this brief...:D

My mother is from Jamaica, and not only does she not "get" the concept of BGLOs, she's vehemently against paying money for anything she thinks is unnecessary.

My dad, on the other hand, while not greek, is from the South, so I was exposed to women on his side of the family (almost exclusively Deltas and Zetas) who were very active in their sororities.

I grew up in California, with very few black people around, so it wasn't until I attended an HBCU that I began to understand how amazing greek life could be. As I became friends with women in different organizations, I discovered that many of the women I admired most tended to be AKAs... they were campus leaders, great students, good friends, and ladies. At that point, I started doing research (my closest friends were DST aspirants, and I wanted to know as much as possible about the various initiatives in each organization), and I found that not only did the ladies have qualities I admired, but the organization had goals which matched my own.

After that, there truly, truly, was no other way. :)

The year 1989, The school Sacred Heart Elementary School, The movie School Daze. I was a child about 13 years old. Spike Lee's movie made a big impression on my class mates and I. We would act out the parts and everything. It was all we talked about. Our teacher, Mr. Hardison a graduate of Moorehouse (Magna Cum Laude) and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha thought it would be a great idea to invite members from all BGLOs to talk to the class. I remember it like yesterday. All of the organizations were represented, but the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority stood out from the other women. It was almost as if a spot light was shining as they elegantly spoke of their sisterhood and service. I was intrigued! So much so that I asked several questions...some that were not appropriate to ask :o and still when the ladies redirected me they did so with class ;) They instructed us to stay in school, keep our grades up and stay involved. They also told us that when we entered college to get involved on our campus and to see what all the Sororities were doing on our campus.

Fast forward to 2006 (I got a late start on College), Rutgers University. I never forgot those ladies in Pink and Green that I met in 1989. I remembered their message. Through my community service efforts I was able to meet some other ladies in Pink and Green that were just as elegant and classy as their 1989 counterparts! These ladies became my friends! And when the time was right, it was clear that Alpha Kappa Alpha was the organization for me!

Wow, that's just dated me, soror!!! ;) ;) :D

As an interested woman, Alpha Kappa Alpha has always been there... But it was my freshwoman year in college that was the defining moment... The first person to befriend me in college was a senior who became a member of AKA that same year. It was her genuine nature that spoke volumes about the organization I would later aspire to join.

Though my desire was not serious then, I was not truly serious until several years after undergrad, it was this senior and the mentorship that developed - that I recall as that defining moment...
:)

ttt--For the new Sorors and because Soror PerfectVerse's comments here are wonderful to read, knowing that she is now on the other side.

For me, it wasn't necessarily a specif moment, but back in HS, two of my teachers/mentors were AKA's n I had another teacher that was a Delta...The two mentors that were AKA's had this way about them that, I didn't even know they were AKA's till a while after I got to know them...not that they weren't proud of being AKA's but they felt that it didnt define them as a women. it spoke for itself...I admired it sooo much....The delta, on the other hand, well, she was just, ya no....different. :)

Wow, good question. I think my defining moment was a little drawn out but nevertheless there was a moment. I come from a family of Deltas, and always wanted to be a Delta....until I got to college. The first person I met at school was an AKA, she was just the sweetest, classiest person, and she handled her business which I liked. I then met some of her Sorors and they were just as nice.You could tell that their was a sisterhood between them and that they really cared for each other. I started attending their events, and making sure I had myself together;). I also met some members of DST and they(this chapter) just weren't what I was or aspiring to be. I ended up transferring schools, and my mother thought that when I transferred, I would get over this "AKA fascination" :)that I had, but as you can see I never waivered after I made my decision. I have been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha for a little over 7 months now, and I have had my struggles and it is a lot of hard work, but never once have I even had second thoughts.

I fell in love in 6th grade when a classmate of mine wore her mom's AKA socks to school. I had never seen the pink and green combination together and it made me feel all tingly inside. I still get that feeling when I look at the crest!!!

I don't know if there was a defining childhood moment, as other posters have said, although two of my childhood teachers (1st and 3rd grade) were Sorors.
I think the beginning of my interest came when I was in my mid-teens and MamaTrap's friend, Soror Aunt V., crossed in grad chapter. Soror Aunt V. really wanted me to be a debutante, but I was one of these chicks who had her head in a book and didn't have the social knowledge or people skills to be able to interact at that time.
I got caught up in studies and the paper in undergrad, so I didn't pursue, but always knew in the back of my mind when I was settled, graduate chapter was an option.

Fast forward to 1996, when my father died. I remember Sorors coming to our house and spending time with MamaTrap. I think that crystallized it for me. When the opportunity came up in 2000, I accepted it, and it is one of the best decisions I ever made.

for me, it was my many years in Girl Scouts and the few years I spent in Jack & Jill. All the moms of my J&J girlfriends were women of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and of my troop leaders, most of them were either college students or young women, but all but one were AKA's. All the women I was exposed to doing great things for me and the community were around me were AKA's, and I wanted to emulate them in every fashion. I guess, it may have helped a little, that my mom, grandmother AND great grandmother are all women of AKA. Every woman in my life represented the epitome of greatness, and just about every woman in my life was a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha as well.

Hmmmm......
 

I would have to say the day I found out that my my role model was an AKA. My cousin who is ten years older than me who I always looked up to because she had so many qualities that I longed to mimic, crossed in 2001 way before I"d even thought about college. I told her I was doing some research and she didn't tell me until after I decided which way I wanted to go, so as to not taint my decision. Her journey inspired me, although I am still striving today to accomplish my goal, she still encourages me to keep my head up. :D

I think for me it comes down to becoming enriched and uplifted, being surrounded by women who not only have a history, but guard and cherish that history because it gave them a better purpose. I am definitely not speaking for anyone, but I want to know that I as a PART am making the WHOLE that much better...

Long story, but...
 

I'd have to say my initial exposure came at 10 years of age while attending my stepmom's family reunion. We went to her mom's house where, upon entering her childhood bedroom, I saw a sea of pink and green...everything from a blanket to a handmade pillow, jacket, paddle and cardigan sweater. I asked her what it was and she told me it was what she was grooming me to hopefully become. She continued to explain that it was a sorority and that she, as well as many of my aunts and cousins were members. What stood out to me was that she also said "and wherever I go, anywhere in the world, when I see these letters along with these colors, I know that I've found a sister..even if I never met her before." That concept was absolutely remarkable to me. Though my intentions weren't what they are today, I knew then that this was a network I desired to be apart of.

As years passed, I watched a generous share of "Different World" episodes ( still have many of them on VHS - lol) and can probably recite the script of "School Daze" word for word. I guess this was my naive way of educating myself on Greek life. My stepmom also consistently made deposits of knowledge and experiences with the organization. Therefore, I absolutely knew that I wanted to attend college and absorb all that I could of both college life and the Greek experience. I had always been a good student but my interest was an extra incentive to excel in my studies, knowing that this was a requirement to become apart of the organization. Also, I studied the history of the organization as if I were prepping for an end of the year final. Well, without going into too much more detail, I have since graduated from college, yet am not a member of the organization. Attempts have been made, yet I can honestly and realistically say that at those times, I was not ready. Life and experiences must mature you and, in the words of my stepmom I was still "unripe" during my attempts. My focus on life in general needed to, and since has drastically changed from what it was at the commencement of my interest. During the times when I was sitting somewhere with my lip poked out asking "why"...or rather, "why not", I later learned exactly that. Despite my mom's greatest intentions, I had my period of getting caught up in the organization's colors, popularity and stereotypes. Community service was an activity I participated in only when it would be visible to members so as to make me a more favorable candidate. So when God said no (cause that's exactly who it was), I was forced to focus on other aspects and activities of my life...and had I not, I wouldn't be who or where I am today. Helping others is now an initiative for personal fulfillment that I try to incorporate, in some fashion, into my everyday life. Sure, it is wonderful to be aligned with a group or organization where a greater impact can be made. However, after witnessing the adversities of SOO many and then seeing how fortunate I and my family are, I am both inspired and obligated to be of service if no one else will. Furthermore, my quest for membership birthed remarkable friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

All that said, I have an unbelievable amount of respect for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and it's members. I appreciate all that the organization stands for and for the impact, both direct and indirect, that she has made on my life. My pursuit alone has matured me and whether my goal is around the corner, or just out of HIS will, a portion of who I am today can be credited to the day I walked into that room and learned about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

I just read that post for the first time since I wrote it. Wow LOL! That's one thing that I do like about posting on messageboards like this as a sisterfriend, it's become sort of like my diary- showing me where I came from and how I felt before I got my pearls. :)

But I am so mad that I wrote so much! SHEESH!! :o

Seven years ago, in high school, a good friend began telling me about an illustrious sisterhood that her older sister was a part of. It was my first introduction to greek life, and I remember asking several questions about these women who wore pink and green, who were oh-so-classy, who served their communities, and kept their pinkies high in the sky. She couldn't tell me much (out of respect for her sister) but what she did tell me intrigued me enough to know that destiny was in the making....

Flash forward, 2 years. My senior year of high school. I was accepted to a program called "Destination Dartmouth," where Dartmouth College flew seniors from all around the country up to spend a few days at the college to experience college life. The FIRST women there to greet us were the lovely ladies of the Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. They made themselves readily available to us and invited all of the young ladies to a tea they were hosting that weekend. During the tea, they not only let us know about Alpha Kappa Alpha, they educated us about helping our perspective communities and invited us to be a part of the conversation. I was hooked. I went home telling my mother and all of my Delta-aunties that I was going to be an AKA and that was that!

I held on to my pink and green dreams and 5 years later, I am an OH-SO-PROUD member of our beautiful organization and loving EVERY single minute!! SKEEEEEE-WEEEE to all of my beautiful Sorors!

"For we know there's no other.............." :)

Wow, I really love these responses. It was a the answer to a question I previously asked. I guess sometimes you have to search manually instead of using the search command...lol