Venus John Named Distinguished Chapter Member and Finalist in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Elections

Venus John was named a 2025 Distinguished Chapter Member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), at the international honor society’s annual convention, Catalyst 2025, held last weekend in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo: Venus, front row center, and her campaign team)

 Venus was also one of the last two finalists in an election race to become International Division I Vice President of PTK.

“I love the impact you can make as a leader,” said Venus, during her campaign. “Anytime you pour your heart into something and are genuinely committed, you can inspire others and give back to the community.”

Venus competed against three other candidates for the role of International Division I Vice President, and though she did not win the election, Venus shone a light on what it means to be a leader, to pursue a leadership role, and to look ahead when the result of an effort is not the one you hoped for.

In an interview with PCCC’s Marketing and Communications department, Venus describes her experience at Catalyst and what her campaign and her experience at PTK and PCCC mean to her. 

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MC- What was your experience at Catalyst like? Was this your first Catalyst? 

VJ – This is my second Catalyst, and I will say that this is my favorite Catalyst, because I gained a new perspective. I learned more about the PTK community and also about myself and about Alpha Eta Chi, the PCCC chapter of PTK. I learned how people saw our chapter as comforting, supportive, and loving and that reminds me of family. And I am grateful that we showed the PTK community what family—familia— looks like through us.

MC- You made it to the finals for the Division I Vice President position! How does that make you feel?

VJ- I feel so grateful and honored to be a finalist for Division I International Vice President. As soon as they announced my name as a finalist, it felt so surreal and I cried like a baby. I’ll never forget when my chapter swarmed and toppled over me to hug me. If I could describe what love is, it would be that very moment. I am so grateful that my chapter helped me become a finalist. I love you all so much!

MC – What does the Distinguished Chapter Member Award mean to you?

VJ- It means that I am committed to my chapter. Whatever they need me to do, I will do it. Wherever they go, I will follow. This award is a reflection of commitment to my chapter and my community. I will continue to be committed to my chapter, because I now know they need me.

MC- What do you feel you have gained from the campaign and election experience? 

VJ – This experience is one of the most meaningful experiences I have gained in PTK, and I am so grateful I ran for international office. It made me realize that they needed a Venus and Alpha Eta Chi to be there. There were so many people who loved meeting us and seeing us because they felt comforted, welcomed, and supported, which was my mission. 

MC – What else would you like to say to all of us who were rooting for you!

VJ – Thank you to everyone who has brought me to this point in my life. I will never stop being me, and I will always keep my head up because of you. Always pursue your passions and goals, and never let failure hold you back. There are many people in this world that need YOU, so I encourage you to step up and create the impact only you can make!

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Venus came to PCCC through the NJ Stars (New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship) program. Graduating in the top 15 per cent of her high school class qualified Venus for the program, which covers her complete tuition at a county college.

At PCCC’s recent scholarship celebration, Venus was awarded the Morton Family Scholarship for Women in STEM and the World Organization for Positive Action Scholarship. 

A physical science major, Venus plans a career as a sports medicine doctor. Read more about Venus here.

by Linda Telesco; Photo courtesy of Venus John