Oh Eight!

Growing up, I always wanted a sister. When I was in kindergarten, I told everyone my mom was having a baby girl (I was actually talking about my new baby doll). She came to pick me up from school one day and someone congratulated her and told her that she didn't look pregnant. She bust out laughing in confusion, and all I could hear was, "I'm going to get that girl." Well, I never did get that biological sister, as a matter of fact, I have one biological brother, 4 step brothers now, and a nephew. God knew that my family only needed one of me.

Back in the Summer of 2006, before going to college, one of my older co-workers asked if I was going to join a sorority. From watching college shows on television, I assumed this was part of the college experience. So, I began wrapping my head around making a selection on which one to join. Not having any Greek members in my family (or college grads), I was extremely misinformed about Greek life and how it works. The only thing I did know was that I needed to make a decision and not tell anyone about it. So I made a decision, for all of the wrong reasons, before heading to college, and I stuck with it!

On my journey to AKAland, I made a bunch of mistakes! A whole slew of them! I even showed up to the first program in ripped jeans, and I wore my pink and green rain boots to another program. I'm sure everyone was fed up with me.....I was so misguided. ::face palm::

Nonetheless, eight years ago after many prayers, everything I saw was pink and green. Literally, everywhere I looked, I saw pink and green. God gave me pink and green vision. He saw fit for me to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. It wasn't fit for my mom to provide me with a sister, but the Lord sure provided all the sisters that I ever prayed for. My cup runneth over.

In these eight years, I have learned to be careful what I pray for. I have laughed, I have cried, I have laughed 'til I cried. I have fought, I have apologized and learned lessons on forgiveness, I have prayed, I have met strength that I never knew existed. Being a part of a sisterhood taught me a lot about myself and other people, but most importantly it has taught me to be selfless.

Where is Jess P? Today, I am basking in this eight year glow.

In honor of our 8th AKAversary, here are 8 of my favorite memories with my sisters:

1. Our first lean photo.