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I have Delta in my bloodBy ASHLEY ARNOLD
IT WAS LIKE flipping through a photo album filled with pictures of my friends and family.
At the Pennsylvania Convention Center, I found myself surrounded by women of every shade, size and age, all sharing the common bond of being a Delta, the sorority that's having its national convention here through tomorrow.
In each of these women I saw something that reminded me of home - there were some that could be my mom or my grandmother or just a family friend. In a smile, just a friendly gesture, I found myself feeling more welcome into this group and less intimidated by the sea of crimson and cream, the sorority colors.
I was there on the convention floor because Delta Sigma Theta has always been a large part of my life, from my grandmother to my mother; it has always been a legacy. As I walked into my first Delta convention, I didn't know what to expect. I went upstairs to the registration desk and, at first, was overwhelmed to be surrounded by so many women, basically strangers except for their Delta connection, who were able to speak so freely with one another about their experiences and their backgrounds.
But soon I settled into a groove. The relaxed nature of the group, the comfort they had in each other's presence was amazing. I felt truly at home when I was there, everyone was incredibly open and seemed excited to be with one another.
Inside the convention, even in the commercial part, there was a connection to the legacy of the Deltas. Each row of vendors was identified by the name of a past president as a tribute to their work with Delta Sigma Theta. It was amazing to see the past and present brought together in such a touching manner. It seemed to say that these people had created the path and led this group to where it is today, the largest international, mostly African-American sorority.
"Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom" is the motto of Delta Sigma Theta. To say that the Delta point of view has influenced me would be a gross understatement - I'm surrounded by them in my family.
MANY VALUES WERE instilled in me by my mother and grandmother. Aside from the basics that all young girls should be raised with, I also was brought up with Delta's "Five-Point Thrust." These oddly named but extremely useful five points were always stressed in my household. They are (1) economic and (2) educational development, (3) international and (4) political awareness and involvement, and (5) physical and mental health.
One of the things that I like about the Delta view of the world is that it extends to younger people like me. In Fayetteville, N.C., where I live, I was involved in a Delta group for teenagers called the Cupids. We did community service, attended various social events, and had a variety of other activities to help us bond.
As a rising senior in high school, I continue to do community service, not simply because it's required by my school, but because I know it is important to participate to make where I live a better place. Delta Sigma Theta is more than just a business to me, it's family, it's community, it's caring, and it's a sisterhood.
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Ashley Arnold, 16, will be the senior editor of her high school newspaper this year.
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