BY DONNA BICK
Staff Writer
Have you heard of A.L.P.H.A?
A.L.P.H.A. stands for Amazing Ladies Pursuing Holistic Appreciation. It is a registered student organization comprised of mainly African American females, but all ethnicities and genders are welcome and highly encouraged to attend meetings and functions. Jessica Lewis is the President of A.L.P.H.A. and Nicole Stamps (also known as Shamika Brown-Stamps) is Vice President. A.L.P.H.A. is designed as a support group. As you already know, college life can be extremely stressful with homesickness, tensions, relationship struggles, homework, deadlines and so many more concerns that affect students’ daily lives. A.L.P.H.A. is a wonderful organization comprised of intelligent, caring, compassionate, friendly women who support each other and are there for YOU! Whatever the need or want may be, A.L.P.H.A is an organization for you. No topic is off limits! Race, religion, dating, tutoring and mentoring can all be found within the A.L.P.H.A. organization. According to Lewis, they will not be having another meeting until the completion of their Ferguson Food Drive.
Furthermore, if you want to hang out and talk about topics discussed in class, A.L.P.H.A. can help. If you need help in a subject, the women of A.L.P.H.A. are very intelligent and sharp and offer much insight into areas of study. If you want to discuss the latest racial tensions happening very close to home such as the situation in Ferguson, MO., or you want to talk about your own racial tensions you have experienced lately, A.L.P.H.A. understands. They are there to be a friend to confide in and a shoulder to lean on. The women of A.L.P.H.A. take great pride in encouraging each other and lifting each other up. With unity, cohesiveness and good old-fashioned friendship, A.L.P.H.A. women combat life’s trials and tribulations as well as enjoy the company of each other. They support each other, they have fun together and they undeniably think of others more than themselves.
A.L.P.H.A. is an organization that also helps those in need. Due to the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, food banks are very low in supplies, and A.L.P.H.A. has organized a food drive to eliminate the shortage. Feel free to donate any canned goods to a very worthy cause. A.L.P.H.A. tubs are located in PAC, Clark lounge, Carnegie lounge, Ames Hall and McKendree West dormitories.
The women of A.L.P.H.A. are a force to be reckoned with, but not a threatening force, a kind, caring, compassionate force. A.L.P.H.A. women want to encourage and support each other, make lifelong friends, and have fun in fellowship. If you are interested in joining A.L.P.H.A., then contact Jessica Lewis at jessicalewis@mckendree.edu or Nicole Stamps at snbrown-stamps@mckendree.edu. I can certainly guarantee they will welcome you with open arms and friendly smiles.
