Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity of attending the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Catalyst conference in Kansas City, Mo., representing South Puget Sound Community College. As I reflect on the experience, I find myself deeply moved by the incredible group of student advocates I had the chance to meet and connect with. The experience was a reminder of the strength and importance of the collective student voice in advocating for change and how much we can learn from one another’s unique journeys.
At the conference, I had the opportunity to meet student advocates from all over the country, including members of Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges Student Advocates (WACTCSA). Despite coming from different states, backgrounds, and community college systems, these students were just like me: passionate about improving their communities and driven by the desire to make a difference in the world. .
We spent hours discussing the current political environment and the unique challenges facing community college students, especially first-generation students. Our conversations were filled with shared concerns about access to higher education, the importance of financial aid, and how we could better support our peers. Some of us were still in the early stages of our advocacy journey, while others had years of experience. But what brought us all together was our shared commitment to raising awareness and creating change. Hearing these passionate students speak about their experiences and ideas was incredibly humbling, and I walked away with a deep sense of solidarity, knowing that we are all part of a larger movement.
The most valuable takeaway from this experience was the realization that we are all fighting the same fight, albeit from different angles. Everyone I met had their own approach to advocacy, shaped by their own experiences, but we all agreed on one thing: student voices matter. We learned from one another’s successes, shared our struggles, and, most importantly, encouraged each other to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles. This sense of camaraderie gave me a renewed sense of purpose, reminding me why we do the work we do.
The conversations I had and the connections I made at PTK Catalyst will continue to shape my advocacy efforts moving forward. I am inspired by the many students I met who are fighting for a better future for all of us, and I am proud to be part of a movement that is making a real difference in the lives of community college students. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and wisdom with me. You have made a lasting impact on my journey, and I am excited to continue advocating with all of you in the months and years to come.
