Eta Gamma officers hold retreat

The vintage Smittle House Bed and Breakfast at 426 South Kansas in Columbus served as the site for the fall semester Eta Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Officer Retreat. The CCC students were the guests of John and Ena Smittle, Proprietors. The officers participated in four sessions of leadership training during the September 10-11 event. The goal-setting session was presented by Kansas Region Phi Theta Kappa President Jeremy Willard. Each letter of the alphabet was used as the first letter of an adjective describing a goal characteristic. Chapter officers then studied the eight steps involved with goal setting and were reminded to make their goals visible! The more often people are reminded of their goals, the more likely they will work toward achieving them! Goals should be posted in a conspicuous place, a copy should be given to each member, and the goals should be placed on meeting agendas. Officers were also reminded to make their goals SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Following an exercise on self-awareness including personal leadership styles, Chapter Advisor Linda McFate presented the Five Star Chapter Development Plan and officers reviewed each of the five levels. Following the evening meal at Nick’s Café on the square, members directed their attention to the chapter’s Honors In Action Project, “Battling Cancer-Continuing the Fight,” The project was blocked into the four component parts of Fellowship, Leadership, Service, and Scholarship. Officers viewed two movies, My Sister’s Keeper from the Director of The Notebook and Letters to God. Officers discussed ways in which the films can be used to promote the chapter’s Honors In Action Project. Saturday morning’s leadership training was presented by chapter president Jacob Asbridge who reviewed the Society’s Competitive Edge Program for members and the College Fish.Org Program that focuses upon transfer to the four-year college or university. Members enjoyed a wonderful breakfast featuring Swedish waffles, and a tour of the beautiful home, including third floor art studio, and the unique grounds including a tree house and Rapunzel Tower built by Mr. Smittle.