Opportunities abound with AZE

Do we ever become fully aware of the impact that we have on the lives of others? Throughout this last month, members of Alpha Zeta Eta have been writing the essays for our annual competitions, both at regional and international levels.

While we researched famous quotes to use as summations of our past year’s events and activities, I came across a quote that I believe to be profound in its simplicity: “A teacher affects eternity; (one) can never tell where (their) influence stops” (Henry Adams, “ The Education of Henry Adams,” 1838-1918).

This influence permeates our personal lives, careers, campus and society from past generations to future ones yet to come.

When I contemplate the enormous power of that influence, I stand in humble admiration of those who give so much of themselves to others for so little in return. This is an exquisite example of two of Phi Theta Kappa’s four Hallmarks, which are scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

Because of one teacher’s influence over 85 years ago, an organization was formed to recognize those who have been the recipients of this unpretentious leadership and service. To those students who are the beneficiaries of this powerful force, “... nothing can take the place of perseverance.” (Calvin Coolidge, “Laura Moncur’s Motivational Quotations,” 1872-1933).

Phi Theta Kappa has recognized academic excellence in the two-year college since 1918 and has become the largest and most prestigious honor society with approximately two million members around the world. The organization offers a wide range of opportunities for exclusive scholarships to members, intellectual enrichment, personal and leadership development.

North Lake’s chapter, Alpha Zeta Eta, chartered in 1978, has excelled to the status of a Five-Star chapter over the years. We have received numerous awards regionally and internationally, as well as achieving a current rank of seventh out of 84 chapters in the Texas Region, and in the top 100 out of 1,284 chapters around the world.

Your membership is based primarily upon academic achievement. To be eligible, you must have completed 12 credit hours course work at any DCCCD college, be currently enrolled at North Lake with a minimum of three college credit hours, have a GPA of 3.5, and adhere to the school conduct code. College credit level GPA does not include developmental classes.

I welcome all of you, the student body, to become active with our chapter whether or not you choose to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa. We encourage everyone to participate in our activities on campus, throughout the district and the community. Our activities offer you the opportunity to volunteer your unique talents, to develop and utilize leadership skills, to meet many diverse people, as well as counting towards your campus and community volunteer hours.

For more information on Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Zeta Eta, you may go to our “unofficial” Web site at www.alphazetaeta.com. You are welcome to join our weekly meetings held every Friday at 4:30 p.m. in room A-206.

(Dawn Lassiter is the Alpha Zeta Eta secretary and the 2003 North Lake College Student Leader of the Year.)

Upcoming Activities

• Phi Theta Kappa Orientations

In room H-207 on Monday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. In room A-206 on Friday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m.

• Wheelchair Foundation

A joint venture with the Rotary Club of Irving to raise money to purchase wheelchairs in impoverished nations. Meet Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

• Asian Heritage Festival

A community wide event celebrating Asian culture and a great way to introduce non-Asians to the culture. Meetings are held every other Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Library. Next meeting is scheduled for March. 2. The festival will be held April 24 at North Lake.

• American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

Partnering with the American Cancer Society for the annual fund-raiser for cancer research. It will be held at North Lake in June. If interested in joining a team, please e-mail Dawn Lassiter at ezraanna@hotmail.com.