Mountain Empire Community College students Retha Darnell and Nikki Scarberry traveled with Michael Gilley, librarian and Phi Theta Kappa advisor, to the 94th Annual Convention of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
Retha Darnell and Nikki Scarberry served as voting representatives of the Alpha Delta Psi Chapter of the honor society for two-year colleges. The theme of the convention was the honor society’s study topic, the culture of competition.
At the convention, Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and Day of Empire: How Hyperpowers Rise to Global Dominance and Why They Fall, spoke on reshaping the American education system in a global culture of competition. Malcolm Gladwell, journalist for The New Yorker and author of Outliers: The Story of Success spoke on what makes high achievers different in a culture of competition.
In attending educational sessions at the conference, Retha and Nikki learned the importance of finishing college and obtaining a degree to be competitive in the global economy and workforce. Both joined other students from among the 4,000 participants from other states and countries in signing a pledge to complete their college degree program.
Nikki spoke of her experience as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which encourages its members to strive for excellence in scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service. She also encouraged all college students to become involved with student organizations to meet and engage with others who can provide encouragement and support.
Picture Caption: Retha Darnell and Nikki Scarberry with other Phi Theta Kappa Honor Students from Virginia at the 94th International Convention, Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.