Honors In Action

We have researched the Honors Topic: The Power of Stories, and the theme, "Stories of Persistence, Resilience, Healing, and Sorrow:  To what extent do stories of persistence, resilience, healing, or loss provoke and inspire?"  As part of that research, we examined the issue of the projected increase in the elderly population in Tennessee and the significant health risks associated with social isolation among older adults.  We are focusing on elders in our local community, particularly those in long-term care facilities. Research indicates that loneliness and social isolation can have serious health consequences, such as increased risks of dementia, coronary artery disease, and mortality.

Our project seeks to investigate whether intergenerational community storytelling can positively influence the experience of loneliness and isolation among these elders. We have partnered with the Blake Senior Living facility and will be interviewing and recording stories from residents who will inspire us as adult mentors. We aim to not only archive their valuable experiences but also enrich their lives, those of our community members, and our own. 

College Project

In order to assist the College in its efforts to improve the campus climate and the overall experience of connectedness and belonging on campus, the Alpha Iota Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has developed a proposal for a new outdoor area for students that we are calling "The Porch at Basler Library."  We hope to create a sense of "student soul" with this space, leaving portions of our personalities behind through what we help to build, both conceptually and physically.  Our personalities will become evident in the feeling of this new space, making the campus a home away from home for students who gather there.