PTK 2018 Catalyst

There are no words to express my trip to Catalyst with Phi Theta Kappa. Everyone there was very friendly; it doesn’t matter which state people came from or who won awards. Attendees are there to celebrate their hard work throughout the year while cheering everyone else on who is being recognized for their efforts. I really felt at home with other PTK members. I went to education forums to learn and continue to strengthen soft skills, leadership development skills, workforce readiness, and transfer readiness skills. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know potential international officer candidates who we would later vote for. There was so much energy during the general sessions that I could barely take it all in. Before the general session started, we got to run around with our Wisconsin region promoting our state. Each person was given one of the letters that spelled out WISCONSIN. Every state had their own unique letters that they used to cheer on their state. At this conference no one acts like they are better than anyone else. We’re all friends who encourage one another to be the best that they can be while growing and shining in their schools, communities, and all around them. This is the time to cement club friendships while growing, improving the world, and making voices heard. When PTK members shine and do great things to change their communities and schools, they have a chance to win awards at the Hallmark Awards Gala. Our region for the state of Wisconsin received two awards that night. It was inspiring to hear how well PTK was doing in my region and how I could be a part of a great change. One of my favorite keynote speakers during the general session was Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner PTK president and CEO. The biggest takeaway: I will always remember her saying “others are thinking big enough. Why aren’t you? Stop thinking small and start thinking that I can attend a four year college, become a CEO, or run for position on campus!” She was very inspiring and I found that I want to do more with my school and with the community. I can’t explain what I’m feeling or experiencing in a few sentences or words. It’s hard to come back to reality and turn my focus back to work and school. After a short while at the conference, I could honestly say, “I belong here!” I relive in my mind all the fun, excitement, energy, friendships, and newly learned skills that will last you a lifetime.