[EchoGyrl]

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.