Dear Gentle Reader,
To some, Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society for two-year colleges, an organization that recognizes student success. But to me, PTK is so much more. Let me explain.
In the fall of 2022, my chapter advisor at Clark State College in Ohio, Nina Wiley, was conducting a phone calling campaign in attempts to bring the chapter’s recruitment up. At the time, I was a dually enrolled high school student, and like many high school students, I rarely checked my email. However, I am so thankful I took that call because a few hours later, I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa.
Within a few weeks, I was not only a member of PTK, but I was also serving as a chapter officer. Nina expressed that during the previous year, members wanted to host a mental health and wellness fair, an idea that fit perfectly with the vision I had been forging in my head, “Love Letters to Ourselves.” Love Letters to Ourselves was an interactive presentation and display that encouraged participants to love themselves from the perspective of someone who loves them. It aimed to show people that there was no shame in loving themselves fully and wholly for all the good and the bad, and for the story that makes them human. I had no idea that the project that I created to support others would eventually come to support me during one of the hardest times in my life; over the next year, I would lose a classmate in a tragic accident and suffer through deep depression because of it, but my relationships in PTK – especially with my mentor, Nina – and this aforementioned project would help propel me forward.
As the International Officer candidate application deadline was quickly approaching, I began to feel hope again. “Love Letter to Ourselves” reminded me that I had the power to help others and prove to myself that my life had meaning again. So, I decided to run for International President – not to win, but to show myself and others that even during one’s darkest hours, you can still find a way to keep going. I was weary and nervous, but I got the courage to tell my story at Ohio’s Spring Conference, and not only did I find that I had a whole region behind me, but I also found that throughout every step, even when I felt like a mess, I had advisors and peers who believed in me for exactly who I was.
Finally, the day came. The first round of voting was in, and I had made so many friends in such a short number of months. While I was hopeful to meet all these people I came to adore so much, I wasn’t confident that I would advance in the election process. Then it happened: Nina called to congratulate me on becoming a semifinalist for International President.
The day I arrived at Catalyst, I was greeted by some of the most brilliant and encouraging people that I now have the privilege of calling friends. I got to meet the other candidates that I had been chatting with online for so long, and I met so many inspirational people throughout my campaign. Although Catalyst only lasted for a few days, it changed my entire life. Making it to semifinals was beyond my wildest dreams – but making it to finals and being gifted the position of International President was something I never even considered a possibility. I thought to myself in those moments after my name was called, “What if I had given up?.” Thank goodness I didn’t because I am forever changed by the amount of humanity I saw throughout the election process and the relationships I’ve forged since.
Dear Reader, I hope you take this as a sign to keep going, to believe in yourself even when life knocks you down, and to consider participating more in PTK. For all you know, maybe it’ll change your life, too.
Love,
Annalise
The 2025-2026 International Officer Application is now open. Click here to learn more about running for International Office.
