Celebrate ‘Thank Your Mentor Day’

National Mentoring Month would not be possible without the efforts of mentors both past and present. To honor those that have gone above and beyond, we are celebrating national Thank Your Mentor Day™ today, Jan. 30.

On this day, we encourage you to reach out to thank or honor those individuals who have and had a lasting impact on your life.

Looking for ways to thank your mentor? Here are a few ideas:

• Contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation.
• Show your gratitude on social media.
• Share your story at www.mentoring.org/stories.
• Pass on the lessons you have learned by becoming a mentor to someone else. Visit bit.ly/BeAMentorIRL.
• Make a financial contribution to a local mentoring program in your mentor’s honor.
• Download an official National Mentoring Month e-card to share with your mentor.

And don’t forget to join the conversation with us on social media by using #PKPMentors and #MentoringMonth.

ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight – January 2020

An avid outdoor enthusiast, ultra-runner, mountain biker, rock climber, surfer, dancer, and yogi, Daniella A. Colombo-Dougovito was initiated at Texas Woman’s University in April 2019 while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture, photography, painting and mixed media. She is also working towards a Master of Arts degree in photography from the Academy of Art University. Daniella earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she was also a member of the women’s rugby football club.

Driven by her physicality as an athlete and love for art, Daniella’s unique perspective has enabled her to harness her creative drive and desire to help others through education. She works to bring awareness to survivors recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder through her art.

In addition to her full-time work as an artist, Daniella has also worked as a 3D design instructor for the sculpture department at Texas Woman's University.

Let’s get to know Daniella!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
   During my graduate studies, and for the first time in my life, I was able to focus on my physical achievements as well as my academic achievements, and I was one of the rare graduate students who received an invitation to join the chapter at Texas Woman’s University, Denton. My ultimate decision to join the Society was not solely based on the prestigious members who joined long before me, but to connect with others who put the same importance on the imperative nature of knowledge acquisition, research, and intellectual growth.
2. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?
   I was raised by an amazing woman, my mom, Dr. Sandra Ellen Colombo. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and worked at the university for a number of years before passing away. Joining the Society allows me to celebrate my academic and artistic achievements, and connect with my mom because I’m a member just as she was. She impressed the importance of higher education throughout my childhood and taught me that education, integrity, perseverance, courage, honor and drive are essential to academic success. I believe these qualities are embodied within Phi Kappa Phi.
3. Where are you originally from? Where did you grow up?
   I was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and have lived all over the United States and in Costa Rica. I spent my formative years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, growing up in Burns Park, and most summers traveled to New York to visit my Italian family.
4. How do you spend your free time?
   I fill my free time by participating in athletics and sports, creating art, reading books, hanging with friends, and traveling with my partner.
5. If you were an animal, what you would be?
   If I were an animal, I would be a wild mustang or a dolphin. I guess if you combine the two I would be a hippocampus.
6. What advice would you give to anyone starting their career?
   Be as flexible as you can to change, growth, unexpected changes of direction, and never give up.
7. What do you do to relax?
   When it’s time to relax I like to go for a run, swim, bike, do yoga, and sleep.
8. When are you the happiest?
   I’m happiest when I’m working out, in nature, and with my partner.
9. How did you become interested in art?
   Art is a part of me. My earliest memories are of creating with paint, clay, mixed media, metal work, and photography. Creation is how I communicate with the world and competing athletically has always been inexorably linked, and the two are major part of who I am.
10. If you could meet one person from history, who would it be?
    This is a five-way tie between Barbara Kruger, Emily Dickinson, Queen Elizabeth I, Louise Erdrich, and Cleopatra.

To learn more about Daniella and connect, visit her member profile within the Phi Kappa Phi online community here.

The ΦΚΦ Member Spotlight gives members the opportunity to share more about themselves and how they have benefited from membership in the Society, and is a great way for members to learn about each other and connect with others who have common interests and goals.

Would you like to be featured, or is there someone you would like see in the spotlight? If so, email Jamie Chapman, membership director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org. Be sure to include basic information for nomination.

Are You Ready for Phi Kappa Phi Week?

Phi Kappa Phi is hosting a weeklong national event, Feb. 3-7, to celebrate the Society, its chapters, and member achievements.

Everyone is encouraged to show their pride in Phi Kappa Phi by participating in chapter activities and wearing Society apparel, pins, and the colors navy and gold.

Chapters can participate in many ways, including:

• Hosting one or more of the events suggested on the Phi Kappa Phi Week page (promotional table session, member social event, volunteer project)
• Handing out Phi Kappa Phi fact sheets and/or award sheets
• Hanging posters and running advertisements on campus for chapter events during the week
• Highlighting member achievements on social media and promoting Phi Kappa Phi using the resources and tips at the bottom of the Phi Kappa Phi Week page

Don’t forget to register your chapter events with the national office by Jan. 31. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Lowery, chapter development director.

Member Tips: How to Stay on Track

It’s the start of a new year, and just about everyone we know has set goals or achievements they would like to accomplish. However, it’s not always easy to stay on track. Life happens fast, and working towards our goals can sometimes feel overwhelming.

We’ve pulled five of the most popular tips our members have shared for how they stay on track. After reading their advice, we invite you to join the conversation in the Phi Kappa Phi community by sharing your tips for staying on top of your goals. Click here to visit the online member community and share your experiences and advice today!

1. Create lists and stick to them.
One of the most popular tips our members have shared is the use of lists—weekly, handwritten lists. It may sound simple, but there have been studies showing that regularly writing down your goals will make you 42% more likely to achieve them.

Our members recommend using a designated notebook, sticky notes, index cards or the notes app of your smartphone. You can even make your lists fun by using colored pens, highlighters or colored sticky notes. One member shared that they add inspirational quotes to their lists to keep a positive outlook.

There is a lot of satisfaction that comes from checking tasks off a list, and this feeling of accomplishment can go a long way in keeping you focused your goals.

2. Make use of a planner—electronic, print or both.
Another very popular tip shared among our members is the use of a planner. One member stated that being on track is not only about documenting tasks, but also recording what you have completed. You get the satisfaction of looking back through your planner to see all that you have accomplished, and the thing I appreciate most about a planner is that they can be referred to as a diary allowing you to look back at life events.

Members say that they also implement the use of colors and reminders in their calendars to add another layer of organization to their tasks. One member shared that their planner even helps to reduce their stress level because they are able to look at their planner to see all they have accomplished and view their progress towards their goals.

3. Don’t get distracted by feeling overwhelmed or getting off track.
Let’s face it, we all veer off course at some point during our journey. However, it’s important that we recognize bumps in the road and have a plan in mind for getting back on the path to our goals. Learning from our setbacks allows us to plan for future challenges, and we can create a system to get focused again quicker.

Turn the inevitable stumbling blocks we will experience throughout our journey into a positive. They can present us with lessons, and these lessons add value to our journey.

4. Check in with a partner to keep both of you on track.
Several members have mentioned that they discuss their goals with a partner to create a sense of accountability, and the process of communicating those goals helps to organize the smaller tasks needed to accomplish the bigger goal. Reporting to a partner also helps to keep the focus on the main goal, and scratching those smaller tasks off your list helps to create a sense satisfaction.

It can be easy to miscalculate our progress when we’re only reporting to ourselves, but when we have a supportive partner to share our progress with, it’s easier to be honest about our accomplishments.

5. Celebrate your accomplishments and make time to enjoy leisure activities between the grind.
Finally, what is the purpose of having goals if we can’t enjoy the journey? It’s easy for us to focus on the exhaustion of the daily grind, but it’s important that we celebrate our accomplishments and make time for fun and relaxation so we can stay motivated to reach our goals. Reset your mind by connecting with friends and family, meditating and getting more sleep.

Are you on track to accomplish your goals? Or, are you struggling? Whether you’re on target, or are just getting started, we want to hear from you! Click here to share your thoughts in the Phi Kappa Phi community, where other members will share their experiences and offer advice, support and encouragement.

Note, the community is available to active members only, and your member login will be required. For assistance with your login, email webmaster@phikappaphi.org.

Celebrate International Mentoring Day

Today is International Mentoring Day and to honor those who take on the challenge, we want to hear your stories.

Mentoring provides a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many mentors say they are grateful for the chance to mentor because the experience is more rewarding than they imagined.

Are you a mentor? If so, tell us in the comments below about your experience. Your story may inspire others to get involved and make an impact in the lives of others.

If you’re not yet a mentor, check out the below resources to help you get started:

• Become a Mentor
• National Mentoring Resource Center
• The Mentoring Effect

Don’t forget to join the conversation with us on social media throughout the month by using #PKPMentors and #MentoringWorks.

Learn how to become a mentor today.

Last Call for Board Nominations

The Nominating Committee seeks names of qualified Phi Kappa Phi members who may be interested in serving on the Board of Directors or as Divisional Vice Presidents during the 2020-2022 biennium.

Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, Jan. 30.

Positions to be elected at the 2020 biennial convention include:

• President-elect
• Vice President for Chapter Development
• Five Directors
• Two student members, one undergraduate and one graduate student
• Five Divisional Vice Presidents
• One member of the Foundation Board of Trustees

The nominations process has changed from previous years. If you would like more information or are interested in nominating a candidate for election, please visit the Call for Nominations page.

Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Awards Program

Phi Kappa Phi is accepting applications for its 2020 awards program including Fellowships, Study Abroad Grants, Literacy Grants, Love of Learning Awards, Scholar/Artist and Distinguished Service Awards. These awards provide funding for graduate study, continuing education, professional development, studies abroad and local, national and international literacy initiatives.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. Nearly $1 million is awarded each year through programs that last year recognized more than 350 individuals.

Programs accepting applications include:

• Fellowships: A total of 58 fellowships are available to members entering their first year of graduate or professional study - 50 Fellowships of $8,500 each, six at $20,000 each, and two at $35,000. Application deadlines vary, so contact your local chapter for more information.
• Study Abroad Grants: 75 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to both members and non-members studying abroad. The deadline to apply is March 15.
• Literacy Grants: Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members seeking funding for literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1.
• Love of Learning Awards: 200 awards, at $500 each, are available to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and professional development for active members. The deadline to apply is June 30.
• Scholar and Artist: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
• Distinguished Service: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

“I'm so grateful to Phi Kappa Phi, not only for giving me the opportunity to start graduate school undistracted by finances, but also giving me the encouragement to pursue my studies knowing that my dream career is in reach and that opportunities are out there,” said Chisom Ogoke, a Phi Kappa Phi award recipient.

For more information including eligibility requirements and application instructions, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.