By Britney Khan, International Vice President of Division III
Britney Khan was elected as an International Officer at Catalyst 2024 in Orlando. She is a member of the Alpha Rho Sigma Chapter at Ivy Tech Community College- Bloomington in Indiana.
As someone who finds it difficult to step out of their comfort zone, I took a giant leap when I moved to the United States for college. The idea of building connections and finding my footing in this new world from scratch was daunting. But I had a vision: to build a career where I could collaborate with global leaders and organizations, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing crises. The question was, how could I achieve that when the very idea of public speaking or networking made me anxious? How could I step into a role that required confidence, leadership, and the ability to connect with others when these very skills seemed beyond my reach?
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) played a pivotal role in this transformation, both personally and professionally. What started as a simple way to get involved and perhaps meet a few people quickly became a journey of profound growth.
Building Confidence and Leadership Skills
I wanted to become more involved on campus and take on leadership roles but wasn’t sure where to start. Through a wide range of leadership opportunities, PTK membership allowed me to grow at my own pace. At the chapter level, I began by participating in smaller roles. The hands-on experience of leading a chapter project or organizing a service initiative helped me develop teamwork and the ability to manage and motivate a team.
PTK’s leadership conferences and workshops are crafted to help equip you with the skills needed for effective leadership. These events offer valuable insights and hands-on training. Taking my involvement a step further, I explored international opportunities, where the scale of leadership roles and impact is even greater. Participating in international conferences and programs exposed me to diverse perspectives and challenges, expanding my worldview and pushing me to think critically.
The opportunities PTK membership provided didn’t just nudge me out of my comfort zone; they catapulted me to face my fears head-on. Despite my introverted nature, I’m able to stand at the front of the room, sharing ideas, leading workshops, giving speeches, and engaging with leaders at my college and beyond, discussing ways to collaborate and make an impact.
Creating Lifelong Connections
One of the most rewarding aspects of PTK has been the relationships I’ve built with fellow members. These connections extend far beyond the walls of chapter meetings and service projects. Through PTK, I’ve found a community of like-minded and passionate individuals whether it be students, educators, advisors, and leaders who continue to inspire me and challenge me to grow.
My involvement in PTK has also opened doors to networking opportunities with college administration and faculty. Engaging with these leaders has given me invaluable insights into how our college functions and how decisions are made. This has deepened my understanding of leadership and collaboration, as I’ve had the chance to contribute to discussions that shape our campus community.
Accessing Exclusive Resources
As a PTK member, I’ve gained access to crucial resources for my academic and professional growth. PTK scholarships help ease the financial burden of tuition costs to help you concentrate more on your education. As I prepare to transfer to complete my bachelor’s degree at a four-year university, these opportunities are not just financial support, they’re a key part of my journey toward achieving my goals.
Beyond financial support, PTK offers a wealth of educational resources that have helped me build essential skills for my future. Webinars on topics such as time management, along with PTK self-paced Edge courses covering areas like transfer readiness and research, have been instrumental in sharpening my abilities and preparing me for the demands of both academic and professional environments.
Enhancing My Resume and Career Prospects
Leveraging PTK membership opportunities can greatly enhance your resume. Running for International Office led to an executive internship that has significantly advanced my professional growth. This role has allowed me to refine key skills such as public speaking, goal setting, collaboration, and organizational abilities. Representing PTK in this capacity has not only provided me with hands-on experience but also significantly strengthened my resume.
By taking on such roles and projects, you can gain practical experience that demonstrates your leadership and commitment, making your resume stand out to future employers or academic institutions. The lessons I’ve learned, the skills I’ve gained, and the relationships I’ve formed will continue to influence me long after I graduate.
