The college experience, in my humble opinion, is one that is best enjoyed when plenty of opportunities to succeed are presented to students to use at their own volition. I believe the access to a top-notch education is a right, not a privilege, and that all people should have access to these rights.

As a student at Delaware County Community College, I have enjoyed making my experience the best and most prosperous I can make it, and a large part of this was due to the fact that I was accepted into an honor society called Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).

What is PTK exactly? Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, particularly community and junior colleges. It was founded in 1910 at Stephens College in Jackson, Mississippi and now has more than 2 million members in more than 1,250 chapters based in every US state and some countries.

Even though the Greek lettering system is present, PTK is so much more than a fraternity or sorority.

PTK recognizes and encourages the scholastic achievements of its members and holds them in high regard. It provides opportunities for the development of leadership, service and fellowship and stimulates a highly intellectual climate for discussing thoughts and ideas.

Membership to PTK is by invitation only. Requirements for membership are here.

If you attend a two-year school with a PTK chapter, and you are invited to join, please consider doing so! Here are some benefits of joining:

1. Recognition for success

If you are a high-achieving student, being in PTK will allow you to receive recognition in the form of awards, regalia, press releases, letters of recommendation and over $90 million in scholarships for eligible members! Scholarships are open at the associate's, bachelor's, master's level and four-year schools who have a special partnership with PTK can give you additional scholarships when you apply!

2. Ability to build job skills employers want

PTK is an invaluable resource for building skills that land its members careers in the most productive fields. You'll develop your innate abilities in leadership, team-building, problem-solving, written and verbal communication and public speaking by taking part in PTK's many programs.

Programs actually vary by chapter, but one program that the entire organization offers is Competitive Edge, an online, self-paced professional development course that comes at no cost to you!

3. A community of fellowship

By joining PTK, you'll meet literally thousands of students, professors and officers who all hold the PTK mission dearly. You'll be able to network with current members and a huge family of alumni, discuss plans for your chapter and build friendships that last a lifetime (Cheesy, but true!) You can attend regional, national and international conferences, meetings and especially the Hallmark Awards! (Psst...it's like the Oscars for college students!)

4. Intellectual Rigor

PTK has two special programs for you to be stimulated intellectually: Honors in Action and the College Project. With these programs, you'll be immersed in the challenge of critical thought and action to come up with solutions toyour campus and community. Each project involves research, planning and the ability to work on a team that will help you and your peers make a difference in the lives of others. Who knows, maybe YOU'LL be the one to come up with the idea that sparks change in your world!

5. A path to the future

With the wealth of external and internal pros you'll gain from joining Phi Theta Kappa, it's up to you to decide how much you want to get out of it. The cool thing is you get to customize your experience however you see fit in so you can build a good life for yourself. Membership is for a lifetime, but I can tell you it's a worthwhile investment!

Whew, that's a lot of benefits and I haven't even touched on every one! I hope now you'll consider Phi Theta Kappa, should you ever encounter it and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me! I'd be happy to spread the word.