Message from the International 2nd Vice President
On your mark, Get set, GO!
Melanie Jones
Whether in a childhood race or at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, everyone knows that when the flag is waved and the bullet pierces the air, the clock is ticking and the race has officially begun.
On Your Mark is the point at which the runner begins to position herself for the race ahead. She finishes her last stretch and takes her last big breath.
Get Set is the moment at which she aligns her body with her running lane and carefully maps out her end. She removes all negativity and doubt that will deter her from her goal.
GO! With all her energy, the runner soars through thin air in an effort to reach her goal.
Life is a race. You can choose to GO or face the reality of being left behind.
Sisters, GO, GO, GO!
GO into dreams that you consider impossible.
GO into the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
GO further than the generations before you.
GO past all obstacles that aim to deter you from your goal.
GO the distance without allowing fear to determine what lies ahead.
GO with Excellence, Strategy, and Divine Purpose!
Think Pink and GO GREEN! Recognize the environmental justice that we owe the earth for taking up its space with unnatural and selfish pursuits.
In a team race, one runner extends her baton to the next by reaching forward to continue the pace. Let GO of the dead weight of the past and make a conscious effort to strive for change to reach an expected end.
Keep GOing in Alpha Kappa Alpha!
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have proven through their rise to the American presidency that, sometimes in life, if you just GO or run the race, the finish line will be in your favor.
A great philosopher once stated, "Running is the greatest metaphor in life because you get out what you put in. The race is a huge question mark. It asks each runner whether or not they are willing to be defeated or take courage and be STRONG." The race before us is not a matter of speed or intelligence. The race is a test of time. Can you endure? Ecclesiastes 9:11 states, "The race is not given to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but the one who endures to the end."(KJV paraphrased) Ask yourself, can I give more to my academics, my career, my family and even my community? Can I do better? Can I advance? The answer to this question is always YES!
The dawn of a new day is here; the flag has been waved; and the bullet of change has pierced the air.
When you hear the words, On Your Mark, Get Set, GO...how will YOU respond?
Melanie C. Jones
International 2nd Vice President