Shall I Stay?
 

Hey All,

Recently I have been struggling over a dilemma...

Like most schools, my university offers students the chance to study in other countries for a semester. This year they made South Africa an option and now I'm REALLY excited because I've always wanted to travel there. Unfortunately they only offer the this option during the spring semester.

Now in the 59 years of this chapter’s history they have NEVER had a fall line. I know that AKA will be here when I get back, but I was not eligible last year and there is no line happening this semester. The next time I will eligible to submit is 2002. I'm REALLY anxious to submit and I don't know if I can wait until 2003.

I know that this is once of those choices where I have to look inside myself but all comments are appreciated.

1. NEVER say NEVER!

2. DO what is BEST for POPLIFE! We can only advise you on what to do or not to do, but you will have to make your decision and live with it...

Whatever choice you make, Good luck, Girl! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif




[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited February 20, 2001).]

I hope my sista(s) wont mind if I offer my penny on this matter but, here it goes:

Poplife, South Africa will be there AFTER you cross; and they'll probably still be offering that trip as well. So, go on and get on with the AKA thang, and check South Africa out lada!!! Good luck, spec http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

We have not always seen eye to eye on things but I offer this bit of advice in all sincerity, you are not guaranteed to be chosen for membership in AKA, and thus you will have missed a chance of a lifetime for nothing. And in actuality neither AKA, nor AFRICA are going anywhere anytime soon but personally, I would do what is more guaranteed to happen. I wish I were you worrying about what to do. I missed going to Japan (not comparable to Africa, but) for something like this ... shear waste of time ... should have chosen Japan and I am not talking about AKA for all those that want to confuse it, AKA happened at the right time for me - thank goodness.

Poplife if you need any other help or suggestions please feel free to write me personally.

FIXED spelling :-)

[This message has been edited by LadyAKA (edited February 20, 2001).]

I have to agree with my sorors, especially LadyAKA:

Nothing in life is guarenteed...

Also, you need to take a look at all your options and you have to prioritize them. What is the most critical for you in your life right now this minute???

Whatever decision you make--you are lucky to even make one--NO, lucky to even have this dilemma, 'cuz it could be alot worse--it is your best decision in your life at this time.

Live to love your life, that's all you really have while you are living...

Just my $0.08 cents worth...

Pop, I went through the same thing. Literally.
I had to put my desires for seeking membership on hold until my last year--which also happened to be the year that the Lord allowed me to study abroad (for the entire academic year). At that point in my life, it was more important that I go away--I think that was definitely a heart wrenching decision. But I decided to go away.

Do I regret it? No. I know I did the right thing. Does it make it any easier to see recent lines walking across the yard when I go back to school to visit? Not at all. But I have peace in the fact that at that time in my life, I made the right choice, for me. Figure out what is more important to you now.
What will most bring you that sense of satisfaction, that only fulfilling your dreams can bring? When you figure that out, you'll have your answer. Feel free to email me. Good luck.

I havent had a chance to post in a LONG time, but I have been keeping up with the topics..pretty much anyway. To Poplife, girl I was in a similar situation two years ago. I had to look way down the road to which decision would be best for the the goals I was trying to reach, in my case concerning my career. I was faced with two things that I wanted most in life at that point, both of which I knew were not guaranteed and I could not pursue both at the same time. Though it hurt me deeply, my final decision did not include AKA. But, things worked themselves out and in the end I was able to have both. Most people say to me "well, but you missed out on the college experience." This may be true, but what I can say is that I have been BEYOND happy with my experience thus far and I have no regrets. Good luck girl. Feel free to email me also.

Poplife,

What a blessing it is have the opportunity to travel to Africa!

I traveled to Africa (and stayed for 3 weeks in Kenya and Zimbabwe) as a delegate to the World Baptist Youth Conference (in Harare, Zimbabwe) in my senior year of high school. I can't begin to tell you the life altering impact that trip had on me as an African-American woman. It very much shaped my spiritual, academic, and social outlook. It was a rite of passage for me as at the time, I was 17 years old. Almost eight years later, I look back at that experience and am delighted I had the opportunity to go. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

It appears as if others on the panel have offered you wonderful advice based on their first hand experience with making this type of decision. Please know that the opportunity that you have is something that will definitely enhance your learning about a core subject area (as you'll have a different political and social backdrop to study), and it will also increase your marketability as you prepare for the professional market/career. Your experience will distinguish you from others as you apply to grad school and for your job. You'll look back and be thankful for the opportunity, trust me.

As for your quest in Alpha Kappa Alpha, know that what is for you is for you. Nothing will change that. It may just be a matter of timing. I believe that with your diversified experience that you will have as a result of your travels (and other things), you may be more of an asset to Alpha Kappa Alpha, your family (because of the nice dose of humility and appreciation that will come upon you), other organizations (church, community service orgs), etc. Remember, as with all things, the more credentials, experiences, and character, the better your possibilities.

My best advice: Pray and seek God FIRST on this matter. Only then will you truly tap into your destiny and know what is TRULY best.

------------------
I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)

[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited February 21, 2001).]

nikki25 I like your thoughts, and you expressed it well!!

Whew, finally...a moment to myself. It's nice to see some posts.

AKA2D: I don't know if they ever will have a fall line, but I do know they have never HAD on in the past. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif 59 years is a pretty solid amount of time! I guess this is where hope comes in. *lol*

LadyAKA: Yes we have agreed to disagree, but the respect has always been there. Thanks for your advice. I totally understand what you are saying. There is a guarantee that I will be able to study abroad, but we all know that there is no true promise into Alpha Kappa Alpha. I don't want to stay in the US and then end up being not making line. I'll look awfully silly and feel awfully bad with a rejection letter in my hand saying "I coulda had AFRICA!"

AKA_Monet: You're right. I'm sooooo lucky. What a great dilemma!

1 Woman of Virtue: It's cool to hear from someone who has to make the same choice. Thanks!

MsAnn: It's hard isn't it? I'm glad things worked out for you.

nikki25: Good point, good point!
And you speaking about your own experiences in Africa make me more excited! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I mean I'd be excited just to visit there, but to actually take classes/make friends/really experience the culture of S. Africans beyond the tourist traps?! WHOO!

LIKE I SAID...never say NEVER!

I have been around this AKA-thingy (lol) a lonnnng time, and I have seen it on a couple of occasions where a chapter NEVER had A,B,C, and D....
but with this NEW process, you never know what will happen! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

TRUST ME!

Well POP you know me....I'm always one to say GO FOR IT.

I really look at it like most of the people here. You have Africa in your hands, it's a sure thing. Now your quest on the other hand.......

We're all gambling at being Sf's. There's a chance that we'll one day live the dream and on the same token there's a BIG chance we won't. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

That's the chance of a lifetime!Just be sure to bring back my African prince ok? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

This was said earlier but, Never Say Never...The chapter at my school hadn't had a fall line in over twenty years...until fall 2000

I trust you, I trust you! Like I said, keepin' hope alive!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif


Ok, will do. But do you think he'll be duty-free? *lol*