HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DELTA SIGMA THETA INC.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DELTA SIGMA INCORPORATED!!!!

Many years ago, I dreamed of pledging Delta Sigma Theta. But I was too busy running the streets like the "WILD CHILD" I still am at 43. I'd dropped out of high school, began a career doing hair and was attracted to the street life of hustlers and drug dealers. Now don't get it twisted, I was extremely intelligent, but HYSTERICALLY BLIND! I was 18 and too "SMART" for my own good; I didn't realize fast money is just what it is...fast. The real truth of my screwing up in school, will appall you.  My dream of college was shattered in high school, when my mother told me I couldn't go away to college. After that I gave up, became discouraged and felt defeated. I knew there was something out there bigger than Far Rockaway, larger than Queens. I wanted to see the world and do something with my life, but my mother (unknowingly) clipped my wings; she didn't trust me and her fear of teenage pregnancy controlled the decisions she made concerning me. Once I realized I couldn't go away to school, I began to think what's the use? So, I began classes and indulging in deviant behavior. My behavior was so bad, I only went to two classes English and Biology, spent about four out of six periods in the lunchroom and fought all the time. Looking back, I don't fault my mom, I believe she had her own issues to deal with, was trying to protect me and didn't have time for mines.

Those years were the worst for me. I constantly stayed in trouble, lived in the Dean's office and my Guidance Counselor became my bestfriend. I WAS A JUVENILE DELINQUENT! Despite being a menace, I loved to read and loved Biology. I'd get grades of 98 in English, passed the Biology Regents with an 86, and wouldn't you know; I was even accepted into the Health Careers program at my school. Back then, you could graduate as a Licensed Practical Nurse! Some how, I managed to blow that too. You'd think those positive attributes would serve as a motivation, but I eventually was expelled for fighting and that ended every desire for school. The district enrolled me at another school, but I'd gotten there and didn't do much either.

The chain of events in my life changed me forever. In one year; I lost the only person who I felt loved me in this world, my grandmother, finally met my biological father and two of my siblings and fell in love for the first time. I was excited to have met my father and siblings, who lived in Brooklyn and I thought I had an ally in my sister who was a year younger than me. We went through our teenage years together and it was time for my sister to go away to college. I was so happy and excited for her and as off the chain as I was I encouraged her to PLEDGE DELTA the FIRST CHANCE SHE GOT! You see, my step mom was liberal in her thinking and she allowed my sister the privilege of TRUST.  In retrospect...I don't think Mommy trusted me much, I guess I hadn't given her a reason to. But I encouraged my sister to PLEDGE DELTA;
 I saw she had a chance for opportunity in her life, that I didn't have. My sister did PLEDGE DELTA and I eventually got myself together applying to the College of New Rochelle's School of New Resources in Harlem.

I never thought I'd ever get my life together I did, but I was STILL BLIND and attracted to the street life. My first chance to pledge, when Fordham University had a line in January 1997. I was supposed to join, and cross over into my DREAM. Before the line, I'd met many of my sister's wonderful Sorors. These women were intelligent and admirable. I felt so HONORED to be SURROUNDED by so many SUCCESSFUL EDUCATED WOMEN! They were supportive of each other and it definitely was a SISTERHOOD. They embraced me, and I enjoyed attending every function. They embody all the beliefs I had as a HUMANITARIAN. Feeding the homeless, and providing the community with social support. I never did pledge, but my sister's chapter did give me the opportunity. My sister gave me the book In Search of The Sisterhood to read about the history of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. I read it, but I still didn't pledge.

I never did pledge; but I love them the same and I guess I just felt "OUT OF PLACE" & allowed other people and life situations to "HINDER" me from pledging. I think I STOOD IN MY OWN WAY & regret it today. Maybe one day, I will pledge...my brother always says "It's NEVER TOO LATE TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE!" I think he's right and with that I AM STILL INTERESTED IN BEING APART OF SUCH GREAT ORGANIZATION...HAPPY BIRTHDAY D.S.T.!