What was intended to be a Phi Theta Kappa Meet and Greet turned into a Spartan Connector bonding experience among the connectors. Phi Theta Kappa had their second semester Meet and Greet event for the new Spartan Connectors and Proteges on Feb. 18, 2016.

The event was hosted at Elgin Community College and planned by PTK’s Vice President Eliana Penafiel. Penafiel has a committee of six members who help her coordinate the events. A total of 17 connectors and one protégé attended the event.

“There [are] 34 people in the program, so about half showed up,” said Penafiel.

The low attendance was not something that was expected. Penafiel had to let some of the connectors know that some of the protégés had contacted her saying they could not make the event.

“I will probably coordinate the times with the protégés, as they are the ones having difficulties meeting the times,” said Penafiel.

Penafiel was not discouraged by this and even though she was sick on the day of the event, turned what was intended for a “Meet and Greet” to a fun time for everyone present. Penafiel opened the event with pizza and socialization.

Penafiel turned the event over to Arely Soriano, who had prepared many games to get the connector and protégés moving and talking. However, with the given turnout the games were played amongst the present connectors.

As of last semester, there were 67 people who completed the program, according to Penafiel.

“We started with 34 people in the program and we hope to raise that number. But we are happy to help whoever that needs help and we don’t get discouraged because we have less people compared to last semester,” said Penafiel. “The program is focused on first year students and like it is known this semester not that many brand new first year students enroll.”

The first Zero Pro event will be hosted on March 02, 2016. This event is for connectors to spend quality time with their paired protégés.