On October 24, 2015 I was presented as a Debutante. A Debutante Ball is a young woman’s debut into society that typically occurs during her senior year. I participated in an African-American Debutante Ball that was hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I was presented along with 11 other girls and we each had escorts who accompanied us through the presentation and the dances.

The whole debutante process really began 17 years ago when I was born. My grandmother and mother were both debutantes, so I was destined to be one as well. Fast forward to the summer before senior year in July: Debutante season begins. I had dance rehearsal every Saturday morning from 9am-12pm from July to October. We had to learn 5 dances: the traditional waltz, a father daughter dance, a mother escort dance, a special dance performed only by the debutantes, and a contemporary dance. Along with learning all of those dances, all the prospective debutantes had to complete 30 hours of community service, take an etiquette class, host a social event for all the debutantes, escorts, and sorority members, and complete other workshops. I can definitely say that fall of 2015 was the busiest season of my life thus far, but it was a lot of fun too.

October 24^th finally arrived: the day I’ve been waiting for all of my life. I had been so nervous for the day during the months leading up to the Ball, but through prayer and faith in God’s plan for me, I was calm the day of the Ball. I had to arrive at the hotel at 9:00am and we had a final run through of the whole program. After many tiring hours of last minute rehearsal it was finally time to get ready. I got my hair and makeup done around 4:00 and then put on my dress. Each debutante wears a wedding dress the night of the Ball. I absolutely loved my dress and felt like a princess. Slowly but surely, my nerves turned into excitement and I was ready to go.

The presentation and dances flew by went perfectly. Looking back on it, it was one of the most special nights of my life and I was so grateful that I was able to share it with my family and friends. I’ll forever treasure the memories and friendships made throughout debutante season and hope that the debutante tradition is carried on in my family for generations.

I just want to conclude this by thanking my mom for investing so much in my Debutante experience and making it so memorable for me. I love you!