Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony

 by Carolyn Moore

To fully appreciate the significance of my induction into Phi Theta Kappa, it is important to know some history. Brought up in an urban middle-class home, with three older brothers, my family appeared to be picture perfect, at least from the outside. A closer look from the right angle would reveal the truth. As a young child, deception, rejection, and sexual abuse was the predominate theme in my home. As a result, I had a hard time staying focused in school and my grades suffered. Although it was a struggle to the finish line, I graduated high school with a 1.64 grade point average.

Fast forward 30 years. After raising two sons on embarrassingly low wages, I decided it was time to pursue my real career-- a Psychologist. With a passion to help others to experience healing after abuse, I fought past the thoughts of inadequacy and failure, and enrolled in my first classes in January 2020. Since then, my evenings and weekends have been devoted to studying. I will be the first to tell you, it has not been easy. As a matter of fact, after a quick examination in the mirror, I discovered my gray hair has multiplied!

When I received an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, I sobbed. My hard work and dedication was paying off! Immediately, I accepted the invitation and sent in my $100 one- time membership fee.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the international honor society of two-year colleges, was established in 1918. According to the Phi Theta Kappa page on the CF Portal, “The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.” Phi Theta Kappa is an international organization and the “largest in American higher education” with over 1.5 million members. To qualify students must have completed 12 hours, earning a 3.5 grade point average or higher (“Phi Theta Kappa”). As mentioned earlier, Phi Theta Kappa membership is by invitation. It was an honor and privilege to participate in the Phi Theta Kappa virtual induction ceremony.

 

We began the evening displaying patriotism for our great country. To honor our nation, we stood at attention and saluted the flag while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward, Dr. Jim Henningsen, President of the College of Central Florida, congratulated all students who were receiving this prestigious award for their academic achievements. 

Dr. Charles McIntosh, Chairman for the Florida Criminal Justice Educators Association, was our first guest speaker. His topic of study was to the 7^th Generation Inheritance and Legacy. According to Dr. McIntosh, the original meaning implored us to make every decision with the future of 7 generations in mind. However, modern society has revised the meaning to include making purposeful decisions about the way we use energy, water, and natural resources to ensure sustainability for the next seven generations.

In an effort to find greener ways to bring affordable energy to our homes, Dr. McIntosh asked us to consider our personal consumption and offered sensible small steps for conservation. He suggested shutting devices off when they are not in use, turning the air conditioning off when nobody is home, and encouraged us to discontinue discarding ½ full water bottles. Dr. Charles McIntosh left me pondering, what will I leave for the next seven generations? What will my legacy be?

Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was our final guest speaker. She talked about the differences between generations. She defined generations as groups of people born and experiencing life at about the same time. According to Dr. Tincher-Ladner, combining generations in academic settings, as well as in the work place, allows new ideas to develop due to diverse experience and backgrounds. She believes that Baby Boomers are dependable workers with a strong work ethic. She adds that Generation X are independent, abhor micro-managing, and value flexible work schedules. The Generation Y- Millennial’s are confident, ambitious, highly adaptable and achievement oriented (Tincher-Ladner). Finally, she said that Generation Z are action focused and are the first generation who does not know a world without technology. 

 

Dr. Tincher-Ladner suggested that attending a community college prepares the student for life and work in ways they may not have expected. Since the community college students range from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, she believes the diversity benefits not only the student but also the classroom and campus.

She continued by saying that Phi Theta Kappa provides participants an edge by allowing them to work in diverse groups to solve complex problems that impact our community and world. Finally, Dr. Tincher-Ladner announced the Phi Theta Kappa Generation and described us as a generation that represents the best of the best from Baby Boomers to Millennials.

Considering this was the first Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony held in a virtual setting, it was organized and inspiring. Kicking the evening off with the salutation to the flag was an excellent choice; it stirred up a sense of unity among the members and inductees. The camaraderie continued as Dr. Charles McIntosh challenged each of us to consider how we steward our resources on a personal level. It is easy to sit back passively, thinking that our personal decisions will not make a difference for future generations; however, that is untrue and irresponsible. Wrapping up the evening, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner tied the evening together as she presented the Phi Theta Kappa Generation: A forward thinking, multi-generational honor society, working together for the good of the community. I encourage each student to do his or her best academically, connect with fellow students, and if presented the invitation, join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Life is better together! 

 

 Works Cited

“Phi Theta Kappa.” College of Central Florida, https://www.cf.edu/go/honors/ptk/).