PTK Answers the Question: 'Where Are You Wearing?'

Ever wonder who made the socks you’re wearing? Ever wonder how much it cost to make your favorite shirt? Snead State Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has not only researched the answers to those questions; they are also informing students about “Where Are You Wearing?”

Each year the Phi Theta Kappa national organization selects a topic for a study project that’s referred to as the Honors in Action project. The purpose of the program is to encourage lifelong learning and allow members to explore real world issues. Members are given a topic, and it is their responsibility to research and create an event that brings attention to the topic.

This year’s Honors in Action topic addresses the economy, so the PTK officers decided to develop a “Where Are You Wearing” project that sheds light on the origin of the clothing people wear such as where the clothing was made, how much was spent to make the clothing, and how much the worker was paid to make the clothing. The group presented the information to Snead students on Dec. 7.

“The program is based off of economics relevant to our everyday economic standing,” said Director of Campus Engagement Brittany Wilborn, who also serves as the PTK sponsor. “The officers chose this particular program because they were curious to learn about the origin of their clothes. They were amazed with what they learned.”

Phi Theta Kappa strives to maintain a five-star chapter status with the national organization, and completing an Honors in Action project is one requirement to meet the status. Last year, the group’s Honors in Action project was a political forum, which earned them an award at the PTK Regional Conference.

 Currently, the group is raising money to cover expenses to the regional and international conferences in the spring. They also plan to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the spring.

Phi Theta Kappa has recognized academic excellence in the two-year college since 1918 and has become the largest and the most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world. To become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa one must have completed a minimum of 12 hours and have a 3.5 GPA.

The 2011-2012 officers are President Hannah Jimmerson, Vice President of Leadership Zach Fraiser, Vice President of Scholarships Colton Campbell, and Vice President of Fellowship Seth Harbison.