By Brittany Dickey/reporter
One TCC organization not only recognizes its members’ academic achievements but offers them financial assistance as they move on to four-year schools.
Virginia Arredondo, president of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter on South Campus, said joining this honors society is a great opportunity for scholarships.
“Phi Theta Kappa offers students opportunities for engaging in scholarly activities, earning academic scholarships and providing service to the community,” she said.
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territories, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United Arab Emirates and Palau.
“Even though there are monetary advantages to a member of PTK, a student takes away a lot more than that,” Arredondo said.
Karim Zeglam, South PTK vice president, said PTK is more than just a honors society.
“Being part of Phi Theta Kappa has placed me in a community of people that want to help and make a difference in a place where it needs that kind of attention,” she said. “This community of people I am surrounded by want to excel in school, letting me know that I’m not alone in achieving the same goal.”
Arredondo said Phi Theta Kappa members also gain teamwork skills, build leadership qualities, excel in communication by networking and develop a sense of humility by giving back to the community.
“Whether it is a Relay for Life, UNICEF or partnering with sister chapters in the H2O initiative awareness, we strive to excel in service projects,” she said.
Rho Chi, the South Campus chapter, hosted a cleanup at Lake Como in Fort Worth for one of its projects.
Arredondo said that PTK gives stipend scholarships, something available only to members.
One professor said it is clear that PTK puts a student farther ahead when transferring.
“By joining Phi Theta Kappa, one application moves from the bottom to the top of the pile, and every available scholarship is given,” said Dr. Jean de Schweinitz, a South Campus biology professor.
Although requirements differ at each campus, students on South Campus must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25, have completed at least 12 hours of college credit and be currently enrolled on South Campus.
Although there is a one-time $85 membership fee, students should not let that stop them from joining. Arredondo said scholarships are available for individuals who cannot pay for dues.
To find out more about PTK, students should contact the student activities office on their campus or go to CampusCruiser.
