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.
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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).]
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