In the Spring of 2005, my linesisters and I took an oath to forever be our linesisters' keeper but I had no idea how significant that oath would be in my life. I first learned about sororities when I was in middle school. I'm originally from a very small country town in Florida and sorority life wasn't on anyone's radar. I was the first person in my immediate family to attend a four-year university so I didn't have any family members that were apart of Greek life. My best friend of twenty years was the exact opposite. Every woman in her family is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she was exposed to sorority life from birth. As our friendship blossomed so did my interest in the sorority. All I knew was AKA and I vowed that if I had the chance, I would jump at the opportunity to become a member. I learned about the work in the community and the commitment to educational excellence but I was lured by the women themselves. They were the perfect combination of grace and strength.
When I enrolled at Florida State, I was more concerned with academics than extracurricular activities. I was focused on getting and maintaining a high GPA which left little time to attend any social events. After my freshman year, I was so involved in the athletic department that becoming a sorority girl seemed like a distant dream until that faithful day in the union that changed my life. I was so graciously introduced to a member of the sorority and I was flabbergasted. She was absolutely glamorous. Every member that I met after that was just like her. I inevitably became a member of the glamour chapter but I could have never imagined what a blessing it would be.
I am honored to say that I have thirteen amazing linesisters. They are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and best friends. Each one of them is utterly phenomenal. I love my linesisters. Not because we are linesisters but because they are my keepers. I have watched these women sacrifice for one another and love unconditionally solely based on the premise of sisterhood. Not generic, builder-grade sisterhood but that true “out of the night that covers me” sisterhood. We were forced to grow closer because of external circumstances and although we didn’t realize it then it was a blessing in disguise. We have endured. We have supported one another through some of the most difficult times and some of the best times of our lives. From deaths to marriages, we have been more than just a number.
Becoming an AKA but more importantly a ZO AKA helped me become the woman I am today. I have my linesisters but I also have a network of women that are true definitions of excellence. Almost 11 years later and I am still learning from them. Although my journey has not been perfect, it has been worth it. The lessons that I learned are truly invaluable!
I will forever be my linesisters’ keeper! Forever Fierce, Fabulous & Flawless
Tenisha
When I enrolled at Florida State, I was more concerned with academics than extracurricular activities. I was focused on getting and maintaining a high GPA which left little time to attend any social events. After my freshman year, I was so involved in the athletic department that becoming a sorority girl seemed like a distant dream until that faithful day in the union that changed my life. I was so graciously introduced to a member of the sorority and I was flabbergasted. She was absolutely glamorous. Every member that I met after that was just like her. I inevitably became a member of the glamour chapter but I could have never imagined what a blessing it would be.
I am honored to say that I have thirteen amazing linesisters. They are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and best friends. Each one of them is utterly phenomenal. I love my linesisters. Not because we are linesisters but because they are my keepers. I have watched these women sacrifice for one another and love unconditionally solely based on the premise of sisterhood. Not generic, builder-grade sisterhood but that true “out of the night that covers me” sisterhood. We were forced to grow closer because of external circumstances and although we didn’t realize it then it was a blessing in disguise. We have endured. We have supported one another through some of the most difficult times and some of the best times of our lives. From deaths to marriages, we have been more than just a number.
Becoming an AKA but more importantly a ZO AKA helped me become the woman I am today. I have my linesisters but I also have a network of women that are true definitions of excellence. Almost 11 years later and I am still learning from them. Although my journey has not been perfect, it has been worth it. The lessons that I learned are truly invaluable!
I will forever be my linesisters’ keeper! Forever Fierce, Fabulous & Flawless
Tenisha
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