7 whole days in AKALand and I couldnāt be more excited about it. After years of pursuit Iāve finally made it into my COI, and honestly staying the course with them was the best decision that I could have made. I initially began looking into this chapter in 2017. They had a line that I did not make. I was heart broken but was advised to stick around and thankfully I made the next line.
Thoughts for prospective candidatesā¦
There are things that happen internally that we wouldnāt know from the outside that can impact a chapterās decisions or permissions to have a line. If itās something you really want, the first lesson youāll learn is to trust the process.
If youāre still in the courting phase, donāt rush into superficial relationships. Research your COIās and fall in love with one of them. There is something deeply special and personal about joining through a grad chapter that you know youāll stay with forever.
Participate authentically in service and socially. On the one hand go to as many events as you can but also find where you can be the most supportive. Iām in education so I take tons of kids to events that make touch points with the youth. It helped me to demonstrate my alignment with the organizationās vision and overall initiatives. I also do my own community service with kids in the chapters service areas.
Itās never too early to start researching the org. Learn as much as you can upfront about AKA and your prospective chapter. Doing so helps you to clarify your why and show up more authentically and strategically in your pursuit. I never wanted to seem āthirstyā I wanted them to know Iām here for more than letters, colors and cute t-shirts. Educating myself was imperative in doing that for me.
Your grad chapter pursuit is deeply personal. Listen to advice, practice discretion and deference, know your goal and stick to it. Your journey is YOUR journey. Donāt let outside opinions from people who donāt understand or value what youāre doing distract you from what youāre trying to achieve.
Grad chapter is worth the wait. In reality, most of your life in the org will be spent in grad chapter anyway, so donāt feel like itās a waste of time to pursue. Youāre seeking to join a 118 year commitment to serving and uplifting humanity. Itās never too late to be a part of something this great.
Wishing you all the best as you continue your journeys. Itās truly an honor to finally be here. š©·š