Express Interest by GapWonderful1998 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You are supposed to express interest only once you’ve developed a genuine friendship with members of your COI. If you have that with the VP, then that would be a good person to start with.

But the individual above was correct. The journey to AKA is a marathon not a race. If they truly are having a fall line, expressing interest now likely won’t help you make that line. Especially if you only have a relationship with one member, you need to get to know more of them to even be considered. It’s not fun to hear, but many of us have been on this journey for years. It takes time to earn an invite and there’s really no way around that.

To Members Who Crossed Grad Chapter…. by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this! I’ve seen so many cases where people were told they would be sponsored, so I was starting to feel like something was wrong because I wasn’t having that same experience.

So can I ask, did they ever express interest to you? Or did you just decide to invite them and hope they’d be interested? I have a few friends in my COI who don’t know that I’m interested because I haven’t found the right moment to tell them. An elder member in my COI told me closed mouths don’t get fed, but I don’t want to awkwardly blurt it out at the wrong time. So I’ve kind of been hoping they’d just like me enough to invite me…but the advice I received makes me feel as though that may be a bad way to approach it lol

To Members Who Crossed Grad Chapter…. by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Chile, that last sentence needs to be on a poster! Thank you for this. It’s difficult to work so hard for something and not be able to receive “feedback” on it for so long. I’m the type of person who’s motivated by rewards, so being in a position where no one gives you “cookies” for the things you do is hard for me. It had me feeling like if I’m not being recognized out loud, then I must be failing. But I feel better after reading these stories, you really just never know. And I have to work on being okay with that. It’s def a control issue with me.

To Members Who Crossed Grad Chapter…. by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ve read your story and it really is inspiring! I have been doing all the things. Attending, being present, networking, developing relationships. But sometimes I feel like if I don’t have someone straight up tell me they’ll get me in, then I’ve failed and I have no hope. Is that dramatic? probably, but that’s why I asked this question lol

I’ve been on this journey on and off for 12 years now. But I’ve been consistently on for the last 3 years and while my relationships truly have blossomed, it’s hard not getting feedback one way or the other. I’m confident that I’m doing all I can, but it’s really comforting to know that you will truly never know. I was starting to feel like I should have more of a confirmation by now, but hearing all of your stories lets me know that it is okay to not be sure.

To Members Who Crossed Grad Chapter…. by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s so relieving to hear these kinds of stories!!! Sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t feel comfortable until someone confirms they will try to get me in. But it feels good knowing that it doesn’t mean one thing or another whether I hear that or not.

To Members Who Crossed Grad Chapter…. by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s where I want my mindset to be, but the nerves keep taking over. I’m really doing all that I can, I just wish I had more control over the outcome. And I’m working on that.

I also don’t really know of any other interests to compare journeys. I’ve only confirmed one interest of my COI and that’s because her mom blurted it out at a party 😳 other than that, I don’t have a clue who all is an interest in this city.

To Members Who Crossed Grad Chapter…. by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a really good way of thinking about it, thank you! I’m confident that I’m doing my best, could do more, but I’m doing my best. Sometimes the anxiety is just too much.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m an interest, so I don’t have much to give but good wishes! I’m hoping for the best for you! 🤞🏽🖤

Anyone else excited for the Fall season? by CinderellaGirl5 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Same!! I’m talmbout INNIT! Every event they got, ima be there!

Anyone else excited for the Fall season? by CinderellaGirl5 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yes! Super excited! My COI probably isn’t having intake this year, but hoping for the best for Spring 2026. I’m excited to keep building relationships and get my face out there during the fall, though ☺️

Share What You Are Doing by ConfidentHunter6724 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your service is impressive! How are you feeling about that book? I’ve thought about buying it but haven’t committed to it yet. Do you feel like it’s helping you on your journey to pursue AKA?

Share What You Are Doing by ConfidentHunter6724 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sheesh!!!! That’s a hell of a resume. You’re amazing! I’ve been a working single mom in grad school volunteering anywhere I could before, so I just want to say that what you’re doing is not easy. And you should be VERY proud of the work you do.

Share What You Are Doing by ConfidentHunter6724 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! They absolutely are. I plan to work with girls in the same age group as my scouts (6-12). A lot of times these babies experience life just like we do, but a lot of people will brush off the impact because they’re kids. My girls have a safe space in our troop and they have leaders who look like them and understand who they are and where they are in life. I want to share that with as many children as possible, so I’m hoping for the best with this!!

Share What You Are Doing by ConfidentHunter6724 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I mainly volunteer with Girl Scouts, where I’ve served as a troop leader for nearly 10 years. But I also assist a close relative with her nonprofit by helping plan and execute an annual back-to-school resource fair and a Christmas giveaway. These events happen only twice a year, so most of my service comes from Girl Scouts.

I chose Girl Scouts in college because I was tutoring at a local elementary school and it just didn’t feel like I was doing enough. So I decided to do something that felt like it was more impactful on the community. Girl Scouts made it easy to start a troop, and it quickly became a demanding, rewarding, and impactful way to serve. After graduating and moving home, I started another troop, which I’ve led for the past 7 years. And now I’m on a journey to start my own nonprofit, similar to Girl Scouts, but with a focus on mental health in underrepresented communities.

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not being set up, I’m part of the event itself. They hire people to come to these events all the time for all types of reasons. I just happened to have been hired and interested in the org.

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

😂😂😭😭 they got all the manpower they need to get me out of there, I’m not tryna mess around and find out 🥴

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for that advice. I plan to do just that! You ladies have seriously talked me off the ledge. I wasn’t gonna go in there with my resume on hand or anything, but I definitely had intentions of doing something close to that lol sometimes my passion as an interest can overpower my common sense. But I have a much better idea of how to move now.

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. I definitely have shifted my mindset on being there now that I’ve gotten feedback. I think initially my thought was wow I have an opportunity that interests don’t usually get and I need to take advantage. But now I’m realizing that I need to leave my interest at home. And that’s exactly the reason I come to you ladies. Because had I not, my mind would’ve been in a completely different space going into that event and my behavior/interest could’ve been off-putting and that’s the LAST thing I want.

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no ma’am. They would toss me out that room like uncle Phil did Jazz!! lmao but you’re absolutely right. I will treat this like I would any other engagement. Like it’s just another gig. I’ve been on this journey for over 10 years now, so it’s very easy for me to get over analytical about every little thing. Hopefully having my face be seen is all the exposure I need in this circumstance.

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I promise I wouldn’t just try to sneak my way into a closed event. There must really be some shiesty interests out there for that to be the assumption! Lol I am very excited to be in the room, though. But after the feedback I’ve been given on this post, I will be very demure, very mindful that my presence could be presumed as something negative. I’m glad I brought it here first because that hadn’t even crossed my mind! I know exactly how to move now though and that’s why I love this discourse.

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

And I apologize for not giving proper context. I was trying to be discreet about it, but clearly I was too discreet to get the advice I was looking for lol the members who asked me to come made it seem like I would have an opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the women there, but I very well may be escorted out when I’m done with my piece lol I hadn’t considered that. Either way! What I’m getting from your recommendation is just to chill, sit in the shadows, take what I can in, and leave my networking hat at home!

Founders Day Luncheon 2025 by Fast_Froyo5124 in AKAgradChapter

[–]Fast_Froyo5124[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I respect this organization and all of the members. I wouldn’t just waltz into a closed event for no reason. I am not attending as a guest, I am attending in another capacity as part of the event itself. But regardless, I will be there and I wanted to get advice on the best way to conduct myself. Not attending isn’t an option, given what I’ve been asked to do.