Why you joined G.A.O.: I joined GAO because these ladies took the time to welcome me to Parkside and befriended me not because they wanted to join their organization but because they were very friendly and outgoing. These ladies befriended me before the letters and when I saw how devoted they were to the community and how involved they were with the other organizations on campus, I was truely amazed because I wasn't into those types of things. As I took note of the bond of sisterhood, the structure in the organization, and the fact that it was all about quality over quanity, it didn't take long for me to know that G.A.O was for me. I felt a bond with G.A.O before I became a part of the orgazation. I chose this organization because I felt the realness.

What has G.A.O done for you: G.A.O has done a lot for me. This organization has taught me how to be involved in the community and college on a whole different level. I learned how to contribute to the community and soom developed good leadership skills. G.A.O accepted for who I am as a person and showed me the importance of helping others. G.A.O. helped me develop skills in time management, networking, and fundraising. Most importantly G.A.O introduced me to all my sisters (my 2nd family) who I know I can count on when I need support or a sholuder to lean on. G.A.O, to a degree, has showed me how to try to get along with others (thanks stacey).

Goals: To obtain a PhD level education and work with death row inmates and/or inmates classified as serial killers. To raise my kids to be strong and prepare for their paths in life. To teach my kids to learn from my mistakes in life and not commit the same ones.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy kicking it with my crazy & bold familia, especially my crazy sisters (Ceci, Anna, & Eva, who will never be taken down...we will always be standing). Being with my kids and giving them everything that I never had as a child. Spoiling the heck out of my kids too (Omar brings me peace in my heart and Ibelisse give me strength to go on). I love chillin with my G.A.O sisters and standing by their sides to the fullest. (To my sistas as long as i'm their you know I will always have your back and you will be taken care of!!).

Fondest Memory: I will have to say is when I first met Stacey. I thought she was crazy when she first approached me and then grabbed my stuff to come sit with her and the girls. In my head i was thinking, "is this chic for real?" But when I noticed that she did want to be cool with me, I decided to be nice. At first I would try to ignore her cause I didn't like making new friends but she was persistent. Stacey, if it wasn't for you I would never have met all my LOVELY TRU GAMMAS'. Thank you for being nice to me, you know u will always be special to me.

Personal Quote: "The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can."--robert crushing

"TRU GAMMAS' WEAR BLUE & GREEN"

E-mail: gallona_gao@hotmail.com