Kenzie Jacobs is a lot of things. She is a Nursing Major, a member and social media manager for Beta Mu Gamma, a twin, a self proclaimed “fashion girlie”, a regular student at Solano by all means, but now she can proudly don her new title as Regional President for the Nevada / California regions of Phi Theta Kappa.
While some are called into leadership, others find themselves in those positions by being at the right place at the right time. But this appointment was not based on luck. Jacobs campaigned for months in order to become elected, still going hard on the campaign trail even during this last PTK conference where elections were held in early March.
After being involved in sports since middle school, Jacobs found a position that suited her well when she became the manager for her high school men’s volleyball team. Not only did she share a passion for sports, she actively found herself thrust into leadership positions that would instill in her the values and virtues of the type of leader she was always destined to be.
Like many PTK members, Jacobs received a letter from Solano after her second semester, congratulating her on her overall grades and offering the opportunity to join an honor society that would help steer her in the right direction academically.
“I wanted to be in that space because it felt like it was going to be a positive [experience] for me. It made me feel like I was doing more than just attending college,” she noted.
“I realized [that] in my classes, there wasn’t a lot to connect with. Everyone’s there just to get through the day and then go home but I wanted to meet new people and PTK was a great way to do that”
Jacobs revealed that meeting people who are truly and fully themselves has been a source of inspiration that pushes her to be more authentic. Especially in a new space or with new people, being a member of PTK helps put herself in other’s shoes to know how a leader should engage.
Having a point of reference has also been pivotal in shaping her leadership qualities. Jacobs recalls learning from her Associate Student Body President in high school that helped distinguish times in which she could be a friend and when she needed to step up as a leader.
After her second semester in PTK, Jacobs was motivated to find her place and although she fought many internal battles, the answer became clear. Even if she doubted her calling, in her heart she knew that a leadership position would be the natural next step.
“I used to think ‘well, I don’t know if I could handle it’ and [I questioned] if I was even the right person for it. You know, like how would I go about it? I remember being in a meeting and being told that I should go for it but like, why would I?”, she recalls.
Not only was the pressure of becoming a leader daunting, but Jacobs’ appointment as Regional President marks the first time such a role has been awarded to someone from Solano Community College.
Kenzie admits that such an honor could not have been possible without the encouragement of the advisors PTK counts on, Professor Michael Wyly and Dr. LaNae Jaimez. Agreeing that without them, Beta Mu Gamma probably wouldn’t be the Five Star Chapter that it is.
Holding a prestigious title would mean little if one didn’t hope to accomplish much. But just as excited as she was in her campaign, Jacobs has shown that she’s even more excited to get started in her new role, alongside her regional officer team who are looking to highlight diversity, authenticity and how to achieve that in community college.
“[Being in this position for] a year may not sound like much time but I think there’s plenty of time for us to establish ourselves as regional officers, to sit down and think about what we really want to engage with and everything we can come to a consensus on”
In her own words, Jacobs admits that coming to Solano seemed like a setback at first, but it ultimately showed her that life’s journey is different for everyone and without coming here, the opportunity to become Regional President might have not presented itself.
She describes this honor as surreal and unbelievable, hoping that it can serve as inspiration for the next generation.
“We want to highlight that PTK is important, community colleges are important and together they can genuinely be life changing. The legacy we’re hoping to leave behind is that no matter where you come from, what college you attend, how active or inactive your chapter is, PTK will always be there to uplift you.”
