When someone blocks the world out, uninterested, they are only blocking themselves from a space where growth and learning occurs.  Cathia Soughe, Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Delta Tau chapter president at Woodbridge campus, can definitely agree with that sentiment.

“I’ve been president for about 5 months” recalled Soughe.

“My experience as president has been very overwhelming. I work full time, school full time, and being involved in clubs; it’s really hard to manage and do well in all activities.”

Soughe thought to herself, “How am I going to make it? This will be too overwhelming.” The good thing is that” said Soughe “I have really good officers: two great vice presidents and a good secretary, they back me up a lot.”

Many people are unaware and have the misconception that it is a sorority. However, Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society; it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to be accepted into PTK.

“Initially I came in because I wanted to be part of an activity, of a club. Now, it’s my other full time job [laughs]. It’s a big part of my life.” Soughe said.

“I want to give a good image of the Alpha Delta Tau chapter. I want the next president to feel like ‘Wow, this is going to be a challenge. I have a lot of things to get started on’. The former president built me up and put me up to the day to day challenge and responsibility of being the president” Soughe said.

“At first when I heard of PTK, I kept wondering ‘What is PTK?’. I wasn’t aware because I was actually born in Cameroon, Africa. I went to Google it and I was definitely interested. I got the acceptance letter a few weeks later.” Soughe recollected her thoughts.

“I came to America when I was 17 years old. I just recently turned 21. Actually, My father had been living her since he was 20 and he told me that it was time for me to come. I wanted to finish high school in Cameroon, and that’s exactly what I did before my journey to the States.” Soughe recalled.

“When I got here, it was a really long trip, and if I told the story I would have to sleep here” she laughed as she looked wearily around the cafeteria. “I learned the importance of learning a language. To be honest, I don’t know how I got here” Soughe jested.

Usually people take a few years to complete an ESOL class but for Soughe “It only took [her] a few months. Since they didn’t accept my high school diploma here, I got my GED before going to NOVA to start taking classes.” Soughe proudly claims.

Many students usually take courses at one campus when attending NOVA. But, for Soughe, she decided to take courses at more than one campus to diversify her experiences. “The vibe that I really like is the relationship between student and professor. There is no fear, it’s not like ‘Oh my gosh! That’s my professor’ it’s more along the lines of ‘Hey Bob! Hey Chris!’ ” Soughe jests. It’s so friendly and students feel quite comfortable which gives them the freedom and space to learn.

Each campus has its own certain energy. Many students, especially those that attend Alexandria, feel that Alexandria tends to be really clique-y. “At Alexandria, every group sticks to its race or ethnicity but, at Woodbridge everyone is talking to everyone – communicating and socializing with people of different ethnic and even religious backgrounds” Soughe said.

“PTK contributes to social activities that help bring together the NOVA community. Sometimes we have garage sales and every year we do the 4^th of July parade.”

Each campus has its own certain energy. Many students, especially those that attend Alexandria, feel that Alexandria tends to be really clique-y. “At Alexandria, every group sticks to its race or ethnicity but, at Woodbridge everyone is talking to everyone – communicating and socializing with people of different ethnic and even religious backgrounds” Soughe said.

“PTK contributes to social activities that help bring together the NOVA community. Sometimes we have garage sales and every year we do the 4^th of July parade.”

By: Hala Numan

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