Organization: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Chapter: “Enchanting” Eta Mu
Charter Date: Wednesday, December 20, 1972
Founding Date: Wednesday, January 15, 1908 | Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Interviewee Name: LaKayla Kilgore | Chapter President
Interviewee Classification: Senior
Interviewee Semester/Year of Joining: Fall 2015
Why did you choose Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.?
When I was younger, I used to hate school. I was bad, I didn’t want to do work, I couldn’t stand it. In the 4th grade, I had a teacher named Ms. White, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and once I met her she just changed my life. She made me want to do well in school and she really cared about all the students in her class. Learning from her, and her being a well-rounded woman, it made me want to look more into the organization and once I did my research I knew I wanted to be apart of it.
What makes this sisterhood special for you?
I have blood sisters, but what makes this sisterhood special is that it brings people together that you would have never thought you would be friends with and you know you will always have them to call on. Like I know if I got a flat tire I can call any of them and ask them to sit with me while I get my tire changed. We may have disagreements, but we are in this forever.
Did you think that you would be a member of this organization? If yes-why? If uncertain- why?
Yes, I knew that I would be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. because it’s something that I really wanted. I firmly believe in speaking things into existence and every day I would say ‘I want to be a member of this organization’. I did everything I had to do, and it happened.
What is one moment that you wish you could relive with your sorority?
The presentation show, definitely. It was such a surreal moment that went by so fast. It was there, and then it was over.
Compared to when you first became a member, how has Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. impacted your growth in college?
I grew a lot as an individual all around. I’ve become more multifaceted and I’ve learned to balance. I work, I go to school, I’m president of the chapter, but I also have a social life, church life, and family. I had to learn how to balance everything while also making sure to keep God as the center of my life. Also, being in this organization, I learned how to be more compassionate, understanding, and most importantly learning how to respectfully agree to disagree in a way that doesn’t ruin my relationships. That has helped me communicate more effectively at work and in other aspects of my life.
What type of legacy do you want Eta Mu to leave on the GSU campus?
I want Eta Mu to be known as multifaceted women who carry themselves with dignity, class, and respect while continuing to give back to our campus and our community.
What is Eta Mu looking forward to most this year?
We are looking forward to giving back and serving the GSU community and the surrounding Atlanta community. We’ve made great strides for raising money for the Autism Walk and the Aids Walk and will continue to raise awareness for different causes. Currently, we are serving the people who were affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma and encourage our fellow GSU community to assist with our clothing and toiletries drive.
To know more about these very enchanting ladies, be sure to follow the Eta Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on Instagram @etamu72 and to check out their website www.etamu72.com.