Phi Theta Kappa

I was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society while I was a student at
Kanawha Valley Technical and Community College/Bridgevalley Community College
from 2011-2013. During my time as a member, I participated in multiple service projects,
fundraisers, campus activities and seminars. Some of the activities that I helped plan,
execute and participate in were road side cleanups, open house, induction ceremonies,
fundraising activities, commitment to graduate projects, homeless outreach projects
(which I continued to do long after transferring to WVSU), volunteered in local
retirement homes playing games with and feeding the elderly, providing snacks to
students during finals, planning retreats, etc.

I also accompanied our chapter to enrichment workshops in Richmond, Va and at

the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. on two separate occasions. We
attended classes/enrichment workshops for two days each during these trips while
working to be a stronger, more efficient chapter. We toured many historical landmarks
during our down time, like George Washington’s Ferry Farm/Kenmore Plantation,
Monument Avenue, Mount Vernon, the James River, Hollywood Cemetery where James
Monroe and John Tyler are both buried, and watched Les Mis at the local dinner theater.
We also visited Washington, DC where we toured the Smithsonian museums, including
the monuments, the Air and Space Museum, the National Archives, and the Holocaust
Museum and many more.

During my time as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, I was presented an award for
Best Member at the school’s end of semester award ceremony. I learned a lot during my
time in Phi Theta Kappa. I learned the importance of being active on campus,
participating in school activities, the intrinsic rewards of community service, etc. I met
many wonderful people at the workshops, strengthened my personal skills, my leadership
skills, communication skills, and networking skills. I believe I will be able to use these
skills to communicate well with parents, colleagues, administrators and students as an
effective teacher. I also believe that the historical and cultural enrichment from visiting
these historical landmarks will help me bring enrichment to my classrooms and students.

I was later nominated and voted President of Phi Theta Kappa. As President, I
planned our chapter retreat, our induction ceremony, our fundraisers, our community
service projects and attended our yearly workshop at University of Mary Washington
with my vice-president. This trip was taken without our Advisor and I was the
responsible party for this trip. Initially, the added responsibility was intimidating, but I
feel like I grew from this experience and learned even more leadership skills from this
adventure. I hope to inspire students in my classroom to continue their education and
participate in college programs and clubs by sharing my experiences during my time in
Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society.