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I believe In America. I believe in honesty, in integrity and in hard work. I am native to Fort Lauderdale. One might say I am from a broken home, full of alcoholism and arguments. In middle school, I became very independent and competitive; I became a fighter, but I fought for the wrong reasons. I was lost.

My mother sent me to live with my grandmother. I never really went to school back then, and I found support in the streets. The kids in the neighborhood became my family and they were the people I trusted. In that fellowship I established loyalty. When I was seventeen, my choices led me into a government program called Job Corps; there I received a G.E.D. and certificate in basic carpentry.

After I returned to Fort Lauderdale, I worked construction. Since I was aggressive and resourceful, I was the guy who got the job done. I moved up fast and became crew leader then job foreman because my employer saw I was outgoing and diplomatic. I was excellent at problem solving and finding common ground in complex circumstances; this was a valued trait in construction management. It is a trait that is natural to me as I am a natural leader. Nevertheless, it was not enough to save my job from the recession.

There have been challenges in my life. In my early twenties, I was dating a young woman who I had known for many years.  She became pregnant and we were married.  My son was born disabled; he has Arthrogryposis, an orthopedic disorder; he cannot walk. His name is Gabriel, and he is numeral uno in my life. He is so intelligent and strong and, like me, he is a fighter. He wants to do everything on his own, but we work together to overcome his handicap. There is no doubt in my mind we will succeed. He will defy all odds, and I will always be beside him.

I have a greater appreciation for life. I love family, friends and community. I have the unique ability to connect with people because I know sometimes folks just need a little help. I will pursue a career in law; there I will be in the best position to help society. The main reason I joined PTK is to be surrounded by people like myself. I want to learn from you and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am for the experience it brings. Thank you, I look forward to the challenges yet to come.

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Vice-President

- Claudia Pongo -

 
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Treasurer

- Gilad Lebovitz -

 
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My name is Gilad Lebovitz. I only arrived in the U.S. a little over a year ago. Phi Theta Kappa has helped me get a well rounded college experience, not only by making new friends among its members, but also by getting to know and helping my new community through volunteer opportunities. In the time that I have been and will continue to be at Broward College, I want to be able to give something back to Phi Theta Kappa, and I believe I can do so by being the treasurer where I can be most useful.

I am a very honest individual, and as a former soldier, I am very disciplined and organized. These attributes have prepared me to perform the duties of this position.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Public Relations

- Marco A. Garcia -

 
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I chose to run for a seat in office for the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa organization because I feel obligated to make a difference in the world. By being elected as representative for Public Relations of this particular honor society at Broward College, I believe I can introduce new ideas, and solutions to complex problems with unfailing leadership.

Phi Theta Kappa is an Honors organization dedicated in service to students who aspire to overcome immense challenges in life through their academic diligence and award them for the hard work they have accomplished. Being part of the governing body for Phi Theta Kappa will allow for me to put forth my skills in leadership, responsibility and vision to the best of my ability in service to this organization, and for the students enrolled at Broward College.

I am currently in my freshman year in Broward College and a member of the Honors Institute. While in High school I received the National Honors Society award for academic excellence. I was a member of the brain bowl competition and I was the captain of my team in my senior year. Also, in my senior year, I was a dual-enrollment student at Broward College. I was a member of the varsity baseball team at Fort Lauderdale Christian. I received over 250+ hours in service to the community, particularly to an organization that has personally touched my life known as Children’s Therapy Services. This non-for profit organization assists handicap children through beneficial physical and emotional therapy provided by horses. I was specifically touched by this organization because my brother who has Autism, received therapy from this group. I have also volunteered in campaign work in the previous election cycle in 2008 and plan on volunteering for the 2010 U.S. election cycle as well.

To conclude, I will never forget the students who put me in charge in leading the office for Public Relations. Furthermore, I will not only just serve for the Omega Phi chapter, but I will also strive to serve for each and every individual student enrolled at Broward College, and the surrounding local communities of the greater Fort Lauderdale area.         

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Secretary

- Adriana Contreras-

 
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My name is Adriana Contreras and am honored to have become a member of Phi Theta Kappa and I look forward to contributing my talents and abilities by serving this chapter.

I attended a performing arts high school and specialized in dance. I started at the bottom of the food chain my freshman year as a beginner taking dance classes and worked all the way to the top to becoming a pre-professional ballerina in the course of 4 years. Once I set a goal, I continue with 100% effort the whole way until I get to the finish line. Dance has helped develop my character with perseverance to never give up; I aspire to continue dance in the years to come.

I am in my first year of college, planning to graduate in the spring of 2011 then transferring to a Florida University with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in American Sign Language. I love working with children and I hope to become a specialist with deaf children. I want to become the voice for the children who cannot speak, by acquiring American Sign Language I will attain the tools needed to reach this dream. I have worked with children for many years, and through that experience I have learned more about people than I could ever have imagined. Working with kids in after school programs, I have learned the meaning of patience and what it is to be an example for the youth. The future generations need dedication and moral support to be directed in the right path for when they are older; if we can be an example to them today, then we are giving back to the community of the future. I am currently a part of a learning community that has developed my communication skills called H.E.L.I.X. in Broward College’s Honors Program. 

As an officer of the Omega Phi Cahpter, I will ensure that everyone’s  volunteer and outreach experience to their community is enjoyable and rewarding. I will do my best to fulfill Phi Theta Kappa's mission; to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. I am honored to take on the task at hand to fulfill the needs of Broward College and surrounding communities. Thank you so much for your consideration! 

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Fellowship Coordinator

- Donald Poling -

 
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Hi, this is Donald Poling and I am the Fellowship Coordinator for the summer & winter semester.

I would like to become more involved and I have experience in coordinating activities through my Freemasonic Lodge affiliation, having served as an officer for three years. I have been attending BC North for  approximately three years and have been able to maintain a 4.0 average throughout. Having volunteered with the PTK group during the BOC event and enjoying both making a difference in the community as well as the fellowship of my fellow members.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

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Webmaster

- Lori Johnson -

 

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My name is Lori Johnson. I recently became of a member of this prestigious organization, Phi Theta Kappa. I consider it an honor to be a member of PTK, and will enjoy serving the Omega Phi Chapter here at Broward College.

I am presently employed as an Administrative Assistant, and also attend Broward College full time. I have assumed many leadership roles in the past and am currently serving as a committee member on the school advisory council at Atlantic West Elementary. I strongly believe in setting goals and working hard at achieving them. I am very diligent, a great team player, and very outgoing. I enjoy meeting people, giving assistance, and endorse community outreach. 

I will do my utmost to ensure that all expectations of my position are met, and also assist my fellow Officers, Chapter members, and college as needed.

Thank you for considering me for this position!

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Historian

- Jebin Shakya -

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This is Jebin Shakya, a student seeking for opportunity and higher education in this foreign land of opportunity. I am from a glorious country, Nepal, situated in the southeast part of Asia. In Nepal, I sought opportunities to contribute to my society through various activities like Friends of Community, Interact Clubs under Rotary Clubs and even served in the Leo Club.

I had served my community through my efforts of making the society better and now I have full hands-on opportunity to serve a community in a foreign land which I am not going to miss. I have indulged in the PTK since the Spring term of 2010 and wish to help the club in any ways I could. I am currently studying AA Degree and plan to study computer engineering in the future.

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