When I think of this quote it remind me of all the mentors I have had in my life to teach me about certain situations teenage girls encounter while in high school and how to prevent and deal with it. In high school I was part of the Delta G.E.M.S mentorship program presented by the Seattle Alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. In the program, these educated black women educated us on how to conduct ourselves as young ladies when out in public, in school, or in a professional setting such as an interview or conference. We also learned how to manage our time, and prepare for college, what to expect, and how to be successful throughout college. Being this program really helped me prepare for the real world, but I felt that I owed it to someone who is less fortunate then me, and did not have the opportunity to gain the knowledge that I had. …show more content…
My junior year of high school, I met this girl on my bus name Kalicia, who I saw in school always getting in trouble, and being made fun of.
Connecting with her was a sign from God that this was my opportunity to spread my knowledge and spread the word of God. I talked to her about conducting herself self like a young lady and being confident in her beautiful melanin. We had the “birds and the bees talk” because she had never had that talk before. I explained the consequences of unprotected sex and safe ways to do it. I explained to her that boys during your teenage years only want one thing, and that’s “That thing”, and that she has so much time in the world to “find love”. We talked about managing time, and preparing for college and setting goals for her dream career of being a fashion designer and
cosmetologist. Today Kalicia and I are like sisters. She considers me a mentor and a part of her family. Since her freshman year, to now going into her junior I am proud to say that my little sister is making A’s and B’s in school, is working and applying to colleges. It’s been difficult communicating with her now that I am 3,000 miles away from home, but I trust that she is doing well and if she needs anything, she know to come to my door and ask my mom or dad. My family has let her eat dinner and even sleep at our home when she couldn’t be home due to family issues. I can honestly say that I fit the quote above because I took knowledge that I knew and passed it one to someone who was in environment where if they didn’t get that knowledge she could have been on a totally different route in life. I am so blessed that I have made a difference in someone life and I hope that one day she passes on the things she had learned to someone else who may need that knowledge.
While reading Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities, I learned more about the inner workings of Greek Life. I learned that the odds of me finding a sorority are so slim due to my independent and different personality. While I am not good at sticking up for myself, something this book has made me feel is crucial to blend in and conform to an ideal to fit into a sorority, I am too opinionated. There are not many sororities (at least shown in Pledged) that welcome girls who are different, preferring to stay similar. For example, each pledge class would soon like identical within a few months of pledging. Another thing I learned about is the careful planning and manipulation that occurs throughout sororities,
At a young age I knew as an African American woman through activism, educational autonomy, and community service, I can thrive through the wake of extreme poverty and turmoil faced by the people of my neighborhood of East New York. My interest in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., would be based solely on their ethical standards, history, and values they are founded upon. The ladies of this organization exude exemplary character who excel in sisterhood, respect, honesty, accountability, and integrity. Throughout my life I always encouraged myself to have these ideal characteristics without knowing that one day I would be pursuing membership in a prestigious organization, whom upheld the key principles “greater service, greater progress. The first
I am seeking membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated to be a part of a sisterhood that leads and serves. I would love to join a sisterhood that serves the community, promotes academic achievement and builds self-esteem in students of all walks of life from primary to adulthood. In addition, I wish to expand my public service through educational development. As an educator, serving children and families through toy drives and youth mentorships would afford me countless opportunities to give back beyond the walls of my classroom, dance stage, and church. With my dedication, compassion, and creativity, I know I will work diligently to produce a strong impact on the sorority’s current programs and aid to create new
As both Tracey Reynolds and Audre Lorde have emphasized, Black women are not perpetually passive victims, but active agents. It is totally possible for Black women to seize a form of empowerment, whether that be alternative education, or the creation of organizations that weren’t situated in either the Civil Rights movement or Women’s
As Pollock states, “Equity efforts treat all young people as equally and infinitely valuable” (202). This book has made me realize that first and foremost: We must get to know each of our students on a personal level. Every student has been shaped by their own personal life experiences. We must take this into consideration for all situations. In life, I have learned that there is a reason why people act the way that they do. When people seem to have a “chip on their shoulder”, they have usually faced many hardships in life. “The goal of all such questions is deeper learning about real, respected lives: to encourage educators to learn more about (and build on) young people’s experiences in various communities, to consider their own such experiences, to avoid any premature assumptions about a young person’s “cultural practices,” and to consider their own reactions to young people as extremely consequential.” (3995) was also another excerpt from the book that was extremely powerful for me. Everyone wants to be heard and understood. I feel that I owe it to each of my students to know their stories and help them navigate through the hard times. On the other hand, even though a student seems like he/she has it all together, I shouldn’t just assume that they do. I must be sure that these students are receiving the attention and tools needed to succeed,
The lessons that are taught through experience are usually the ones that stick with children for a lifetime. In Toni Cade Bambara's “The Lesson”, Miss Moore, a prominent character in the story, teaches a lesson to underprivileged children growing up in Harlem. Bambara's work is described as “stories [that] portray women who struggle with issues and learn from them.” (Vertreace, Par. 48) Bambara uses Miss Moore and her characteristics to teach Sylvia and the other children about social inequality and the idea of pursuing personal aspirations regardless of social status. Miss Moore has many admirable characteristics; she's intelligent, patient and caring.
Day in and day out we hear about high school and college students wanting to pursue a sorority and/or a fraternity based on the stereotypes these organizations uphold, well I chose to differ. I told myself if I ever decided to become a member of a sorority it would be based solely on their ethical standards, history, and values they are founded upon. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated consists of ladies of distinction and exemplary character who excel in scholarship, leadership, and service, which are qualities I have chosen to uphold. From my perspective, I encourage myself to maintain a respectable appearance and reputation which doing so inspires me to embrace my self-concept; which helps me confidently excel academically and professionally as a “lady of distinction” and “exemplary character.” Most importantly, I continuously remain involved in community service, being involved allows me the opportunity to learn and understand the lives and circumstances of others by opening my mind, heart, and soul. Overall these qualities strengthen my passion to be a member of the prestigious Alp...
There are many lessons we can learn from the one of the powerful leader Maya Angelou. Angelou was a powerful leader who lived her life abundantly. She was very vulnerable and bold sharing her childhood story (sexual assault) through her book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” She has learned the lesson of forgiveness. A great leader needs to learn how to forgive. According to Angelou, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. Do not complain. Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.” Attitude is another aspect that we can learn from Angelou. She did not complain about her childhood, racism, divorce, losing her friends, or rejection. She has overcome all the obstacles with courage; that is another lesson we can learn. In her poem, she says, “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eye, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!” Angelou knew who she was. She learned not to live according to people’s opinion. Angelou’s writings reflect who she was. We must learn who we
To be a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is to be resilient, poise, and gracious. To be a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is to be an inspiration to others through your actions. To be a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is to be of service to all mankind.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. Just do the best you can. But it won’t matter.” (Antoine, 66) Grant’s former teacher, Matthew Antoine, has been bittered up by the whites and has no hope for African Americans. He has opened his eyes to the obvious and believes African Americans are stuck below the whites and have been born to work like mules and live like dogs. Antoine says, “Forget it. Just go on and be the nigger you were born to be, but forget about life.” (65) He was a realist, and a noncomformist; the world needed someone like Grant, someone who would stand up for his or her race, fight for equality, and break Antoine’s belief of the colored men’s doom. Which is what Grant did. He stood up for his class and became a teacher to make a difference in any possible way.
The purpose of this letter is to inform you about my interest in becoming a member of The Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I sought out membership because the members exemplify the epitome of class, grace, and standards. My desire is to inspire young girls and women and make a significant impact on their lives is just one of many reasons I aspire to join your great sorority. I believe in being of service, giving back to the community, and I want to continue on for years to come. Going into the transition into my college career from my freshman year until now, I have encountered many women in the organization that are very active on campus as well as in the community. My past experiences with my past and previous organizations have proved that once my feet are planted my roots will grow and I will stand firm in an organization or committee that I am apart of exemplifying my leadership skills. I am a dedicated member of the National Council of Negro Women. I am on the Bethune Committee, we focus on creating Health programs for the organization and the community. I am a Mentor with the Valdosta community organization G.O.L.F.E.R. (Generating Opportunities in Life for Each
This quote, spoken true by a prominent African American scholar of the 20th century, Carson Woodson, is aimed at shedding light on the inherent miseducation of African Americans. His beliefs that controlling one’s thinking with such a powerful grasp that allows little or no movement will lead to that individual behaving as he is expected is a very justifiable point. If time and time again, one is told to do certain things or believe certain things as “right”, then with constant repetition and enforcement, widespread belief and acceptance of this idea or practice will become the norm. A people that is consistently taught or treated a certain way may at some point begin to accept it “right.” However, in many cases what may be deemed “right” by some is not necessarily the “right” thing to do.
“We all know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe- some people are smarter than others, some people have more opportunity because they’re born with it, some men make more money than others, some ladies make better cakes than others- some people are born gifted beyond the normal scope of most men.” This quote is valuable to me because I know not everyone is equal. Everyone is created differently so each person can be unique in his or her own way. In school there are lots of different people that are smarter than you, but if there weren’t smarter people than you, than you wouldn’t push yourself to be a better person. Tom Robinson knew he was a Negro and that it was his word against two white women, but he was not giving up. He wanted the same opportunity the white women were born with and the only way he could get that opportunity was by not giving
Meanwhile, as the pressure of schools losing their students due to dropout, it is important that the inner city students have the support they need in school or at home, because many years of oppression have kept African-Americans from having the will to do better. Now young African-Americans have that same oppressed feeling in the schools that they are attending. When the students give up it seems as though everyone around them wants to give up. In fact, “In many parts of the country, the problems present withi...
If I were to write a book in the next thirty years and someone happened to flip to page 135 they would find that I would still be talking about my college life since that part of my life would have the most events and the most adventurous times of my life.The page would be discussing the day I proudly joined a sorority and all the emotions I went through that day. The next paragraph would be a sample of what they would find.