Reach Higher!
Attend the 2006 International Convention
Lindsay Moore is Phi Theta Kappa's 2005-06 International Vice President for Division IV, which includes the Arizona, Colorado, Greater Northwest, Nebraska/Wyoming, Nevada/ California, New Mexico, Pacific and Rocky Mountain-Cascade Regions. She is pursuing a double major in speech communications and molecular, cell, and developmental biology at Caņada College in Redwood City, California.
Each spring, when thousands of the world's brightest community college students converge on one exciting city, it can only mean one thing-Phi Theta Kappa's International Convention!
My first experience attending an International Convention was in April of 2004. I had only been a member of Phi Theta Kappa for two weeks before stepping onto a plane bound for Minneapolis, Minnesota. I had no idea what to expect! As I maneuvered my bags through the rotating doors of the Convention hotel, I was greeted by an enormous banner reading, "Welcome Phi Theta Kappans! You're Good as Gold!" The following day, as my chapter walked down to the Convention Center, my eyes widened as we stepped through the door. There I was, in the middle of a huge auditorium, surrounded by thousands of cheering, enthusiastic, motivated scholars! I felt this unexplainable sense of camaraderie with everyone in the room, knowing we were all connected by the bond of Phi Theta Kappa. Each night of the Convention, my chapter would stay awake, discussing all we had learned that day and how our chapter could implement these new ideas, while coming up with unique events of our own. We met other Phi Theta Kappa members from around the country through participation in the Chapter Officer Academy, the dances and the Political Rally, taking every opportunity we could to learn more about Phi Theta Kappa. The enthusiasm for this organization was infectious!
So, why should you attend the 2006 International Convention? Phi Theta Kappa members and advisors are provided an impressive amalgamation of resources while attending the International Convention. These tools will assist in effectively preparing Phi Theta Kappa members and advisors to serve as leaders of their chapters, colleges, and communities. Events such as the General Sessions, Educational Forums, Academic Marketplace, Political Rally, Career Resource Center, and Transfer College Fair foster the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to developing a successful chapter on your campus.
Fred Isaack, chapter Vice President at Sheridan College-Gillette Campus in Wyoming, shared his International Convention memories. "The International Convention gave me a sense of the overall vision of Phi Theta Kappa. It wasn't just ten people in a small town. We have a huge support network. It made a small group like us feel like part of a whole that is really spectacular."
I encourage all chapter members, officers, and advisors to take advantage of these resources-enjoy the captivating speakers during the General Sessions, attend as many Educational Forums as possible by dividing the members of your chapter, take time to meet the Candidates for International Office during the Political Rally, visit with representatives from major companies and human resources firms at the Career Resource Center, and talk with college recruiters at the Transfer College Fair. Melanie Shelton, Treasurer at St. Petersburg College in Florida attended the 2005 International Convention in Dallas, Texas. She says, "The General Sessions were the best! When you are standing in a room with nearly 4,000 other honor students, you can just feel the excitement!"
At the International Convention, don't miss the opportunity to attend one of three pre-conference activities, including the Chapter Officer Leadership Academy, Regional Officer Leadership Academy and Advisor Education Pre-Conference. These conferences are held the Wednesday preceding the International Convention. Attending the Academies or Pre-Conference is a wonderful way to learn about Phi Theta Kappa, while meeting new people with similar leadership goals.
As chapters prepare for the trip to Seattle, one member shares his thoughts on the upcoming Convention. Sam Bonner, Vice President of Scholarship at Monroe Community College in New York, is looking forward to attending his first International Convention in Seattle this spring. "I heard so much about the International Convention last year as a member who was interested in becoming an officer. I can't wait to meet new people and learn more about Phi Theta Kappa. It will be awesome to finally experience an International Convention!"
To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa's
88th International Convention, visit
http://convention.ptk.org/.
We'll see you in Seattle!
