“As a staff member, I’d say what attracted me most to Golden Key was to grow my chapter experience into a regional, national and international one,” Melissa says. “I was thrilled to learn how our chapters collectively work together to make a difference on university campuses around the world, and I absolutely loved the challenge as a non-profit association leader to determine ways to best support them. I tell people daily the international scope of our organization is truly unique. We meet with members, volunteers and leaders morning, noon and night.”

Melissa’s journey with Golden Key started many years ago when she studied at the University of Central Florida. 

“I was a junior at UCF majoring in communications when I got my invitation to join Golden Key,” Melissa explains. “I was also a creature of habit and realized I was only interacting and present on a small portion of our campus. I realized that the society had members from all majors and backgrounds. I knew that they would introduce me to other student organizations, events and more people at the university than I ever would meet on my own. I also appreciated the fact that GK members in the top 15% of their class understood not only the pressure to achieve academically but also the desire to do our absolute best in our undergraduate and graduate careers.”

When asked to pick what she thought was the best benefit of Golden Key, Melissa found it hard to narrow down. 

“I think there are so many benefits of Golden Key,” Melissa shares. “First is the simple fact that GK is a lifetime membership. This means you pay your membership dues when you join, and you get all of the programs and benefits GK offers for the rest of your life. Where else can you get that?”

Melissa is also very proud of the Golden Key Academy website that launched in September 2020.

“I’m also extremely proud of our newest member benefit, the Golden Key Academy, which is our online platform for lifetime personal and professional development,” Melissa reveals. “It has allowed us to engage Golden Key honorary members and global thought leaders to bring incredible learning opportunities for our current student members as well as our alumni members.”

Melissa is extremely grateful, and in awe of everyone that makes Golden Key the organization it is today.

“I have been completely blown away by our chapter advisors, officers and volunteers during the past two years of the COVID-19 global pandemic and all that they have endured,” Melissa remarks. “Our chapter leaders had to deal with challenges on their own university campuses, dealt with switching to a virtual classroom and operational spaces on top of dealing with additional stresses at home and in their day-to-day life. On top of that, they still found time to dedicate to our organization, to our members and our mission. We cannot ask for a better network of volunteers. They really are the lifeblood and backbone of this organization. They make me proud every day.”

If Melissa could offer one piece of advice to new members, it would be to embrace all the different things they can do through Golden Key.

“Get involved,” Melissa encourages. “GK has so many ways to begin your membership in our society. From virtual learning events to chapter activities and service projects. No matter where you are or what level of involvement you are looking for, GK has a way to connect you. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and check out what our Golden Key Academy has to offer.”

Given Melissa’s seasoned professional experience, she has received plenty of useful advice. But one piece of advice stands out better than the rest. 

“Never say ‘that’s not my job’,” Melissa comments. “You should always contribute, whether or not it is your responsibility – and even if no one is watching. You should do what needs to be done or find a way to help someone else find a solution. Period. I believe the professional growth I’ve experienced in my life has directly come from this simple philosophy. Leaders especially need to demonstrate a willingness to serve their teams in any capacity, no matter how big or small.”

Moreover, Melissa shares her ideas on what makes a great leader.

“I’ve always thought that a great manager/leader shares with team members the big plan AND their role in the success of that plan,” Melissa states. “Great leaders listen to their team and their career aspirations and find ways to support those goals both inside and outside of work.”

Melissa explains what she feels is the best skill to have in life. 

“I believe the only constant in life is change, and therefore I think the best personal/professional skill we can possess is to be agile and embrace change,” Melissa expresses. “If we can apply self-reflection and learning as a constant part of our day-to-day life and control how we react to change (hint: lean in!)I believe it is how we truly grow and evolve. It won’t happen overnight, but I believe this is one of the most valuable skills an individual can possess.”

Melissa is honored to have worked with every one of her coworkers, past and present, but one particular person stands out in her mind.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with and for so many incredible leaders in my career,” Melissa shares. “I was so fortunate to begin my career many years ago with a great mentor and leader, Gert Garman, at the University of Central Florida. Gert is one of the most creative human beings I’ve ever met. Each day she pushed me to define the challenges in front of us, think outside of the box and be willing to do anything, big or small, to support those around you, regardless of your title or position. She is an incredible networker, and she taught me that genuine interactions are the foundation of a strong professional base. I’ve also never laughed as hard as we did when Gert was around. Her sense of humor is unmatched, and I learned never to take myself too seriously. She continues to inspire me today as a business owner of Broad Perspective and applies the philosophy she taught me to her own life. She is currently battling Guillain-Barre syndrome and is sharing her ‘joy in the journey’ despite the challenges she is facing. I’m so blessed to have learned – and continue to learn – from such an incredible person.”

One person who inspires Melissa is GK honorary member Desmond Tutu. “Reverend Tutu was an unbelievable force for anti-apartheid and human rights. I was lucky to hear him speak twice in my life – as well as his daughter. He was a pillar of integrity and equality. His smile, spirit and faith quite literally changed the world.”

Still, Melissa is inspired by much more.

“I am inspired by people who are brave enough to chase their dreams,” Melissa says. “Too often, society tells us who we should be or what we should do, and I’m inspired by those who are willing to dedicate hard work and determination to fulfill their dream.”

When asked about one interesting thing that she thought GK members could read, watch or listen to, Melissa had a particular podcast in mind.

“I’ve just discovered ‘How to Fail with Elizabeth Day’,” Melissa replies. It’s a podcast centered around embracing and learning from failure, and she interviews everyone from athletes to politicians, where they share how failure has shaped their careers. It is fascinating.”

If you are interested in joining Golden Key, we would love you to join Melissa for one of her regular live webinars where she talks about Golden Key, explains the benefits and answers questions. Click here to register for free. 

“I am honoured to receive the Outstanding Member Award and hope to continue demonstrating exceptional achievement in all three pillars of the Golden Key International Honour Society,” Buntle says.

Currently, Buntle serves as an Associate Consultant at EY-Parthenon.

“I am a strategy consultant with over three years of experience in helping companies navigate complex strategic and regulatory challenges to drive innovation and growth in developing and emerging markets,” Buntle mentions. 

Buntle shares the challenges that exist while living in South Africa.

“South Africa has a long and well-documented history of using education as a tool of discrimination, oppression, and segregation,” Buntle explains. “Despite the abolition of colonialism and apartheid, many historically disadvantaged individuals (HDI) continue to live through the sustained economic marginalisation of these political systems. One of the consequences of sustained economic marginalisation is a persistent challenge for HDIs to access (institutions of) higher education.”

In spite of these challenges, Buntle is proud of all of her accomplishments.

“As a black woman in South Africa, I appreciate what a privilege it is to have access to higher education and be part of an academic honour society that supports academic excellence and provides avenues for students of all backgrounds to source educational funding,” Buntle says.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Buntle; we wish you the best of luck at EY-Parthenon!

“I am honoured and humbled to receive the Golden Key Outstanding Member Award for 2021,” Julia says. “This year with Golden Key has brought a myriad of opportunities and connections, and with that came a great deal of hard work, resilience, and dedication behind the scenes. I feel truly lucky to have these efforts recognised.”

Julia is thankful for everyone who has supported her.

“Most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the amazing people that both supported me and worked alongside me, without whom this award would not be possible,” Julia mentions. “My fellow chapter member and friend, Amy Jones, co-directed the GK Mentorship Programme with me and was the most amazing support system throughout the year. Also, my presidents, Sujin and Suyoun Jung, who ran the University of Canterbury chapter with poise and resilience.”

She is extremely dedicated to the betterment of her community.

“Personally, I am wholly dedicated to the work that I do in the community and running the Golden Key Mentorship Programme for 2021 was another rewarding experience,” Julia shares. “Together, we created a programme that fostered passion and direction in young students; the smiles on their faces during the final presentation evenings were a tribute to the impact that such a program can make. Golden Key continues to motivate me to engage in this community work, making a small impact wherever I can.”

Julia is thankful to Golden Key for allowing her to express her passion for academic excellence. 

“Golden Key also fosters my passion for academic excellence, driving me to gain the knowledge I need to make a difference in the world,” Julia reveals. “Studying psychology means being wholly dedicated to your field, and I hope to one day use my theoretical knowledge as well as the skills I have learnt through volunteering to better the lives of others, both at an individual and societal level.”

She is grateful to Golden Key for awarding her this scholarship.

“Overall, this award means so much to receive; however it represents something much bigger than just myself,” Julia says. “It represents my community, including everyone who came before me, stands with me, and is to come after me, all of whom are doing what they can to see a real change in this world.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Julia; we wish you the best of luck completing your psychology degree!

“I would like to express my gratitude for being awarded this Golden Key 2021 Outstanding Member Award and scholarship,” Tatenda says. “I have been a part of the Golden Key University of Cape Town Chapter since 2019, and this is my first award. Winning this award means so much to me, my peers at UCT, and my families in both my home country and country of permanent residence, Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.”

Tatenda is devoted to her education and hopes to continue studying to honor her family.

“I hope to continue my academic journey, up until the level of obtaining a Ph.D. someday,” Tatenda shares. “This is an especially meaningful goal for me as the first girl-child in my family to be pursuing postgraduate education. I am truly passionate about the gift of education and how it truly keeps on giving.”

She appreciates all the support she’s received throughout her academic journey.

“With the supportive network of the Golden Key International Honours Society and its welcoming Chapter at the University of Cape Town that connects students and role models, I have benefited from having my confidence uplifted and motivated in times where I felt most hopeless,” Tatenda mentions. “Despite the painful and isolating experience of an unexpected pandemic these past two years, I feel optimistic about the endless possibilities in my continued journey as an academic, leader and advocate for social justice and prosperity.”

Tatenda enjoys developing her research and writing skills.

“As a UCT Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, I have had the opportunity to deeply reflect on and explore my research interests and develop my academic writing skills,” Tatenda reveals. “I am particularly enthusiastic about sociolinguistics and have expressed this in my involvement in numerous MMUF writing workshops, regional seminars, and in the MMUF’s annual Summer Research Training Program hosted by the University of Chicago.”

Tatenda plans to use her education to improve education and the awareness of African languages.

“From my academic interests in linguistics, I hope to contribute to the project of decolonizing education through the lens of language,” Tatenda says. “I am particularly passionate about the promotion of African languages as equally valuable communicators of intellect and hope to make contributions towards the development of effective multilingual language policies in education through my research. I strongly believe that transformation and decolonization in African education begin with us being able to use our own languages to write our futures.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Tatenda; we wish you the best of luck completing your bachelor’s! 

“This award reflects the hard work I put into attending my dream school, the University of Florida, to pursue a degree in medicine as a Physician Assistant,” said Alejandra. “I would not be here without the support of my family, friends, and instructors that supported me along the way.”

Alejandra is honored to receive this award and be a part of the Golden Key family.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Golden Key Graduate Scholarship award,” Alejandra explains. “I joined this organization because its values of academic excellence, service, and leadership align perfectly with what I strive to achieve in my academic career every day.”

Alejandra is a dedicated student, and her work has paid off, given the scholarships and work she can do.

“This year, I was also the recipient of a scholarship from Florida Credit Union and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC),” Alejandra shares. “As an NHSC scholar, I will be working in primary care in an underserved community within the United States upon graduation. It has always been my dream to provide medical care to a population that otherwise wouldn’t receive care, so being part of this program was a perfect opportunity.”

Alejandra is grateful for the experiences she has had in her educational career.

“I feel very privileged to grow as a person and as a provider-in-training every day in the classroom and at my school’s community free clinic,” Alejandra mentions. “The training I am receiving is helping me become the knowledgeable and caring provider I have always strived to become.”

Alejandra appreciates all the support she has received on her journey to who she is becoming.

“The support I received this year from all these organizations inspires me to continue to work hard to become the best provider for my future patients,” Alejandra says. “It helps me stay focused on my studies and relieves any financial stress. Thank you so much for your generosity, Golden Key!”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Alejandra; we wish you the best of luck as a Physician’s Assistant! 

“I wasn’t active in any honors societies in my undergrad years and thought it would be a great opportunity to strengthen my resume,” Kyle says. “Several of my friends wondered why I would join an organization on campus when I was a Distance Education student, but I knew I could still help out even virtually!”

Kyle is highly involved in his Golden Key chapter.

“After being inducted and officer positions came up, I volunteered to be Director of Membership for ECU’s chapter,” Kyle mentions. “I have served in that capacity since and regularly help out with membership drives and communications and programming, even being away from campus. The chapter has made it an acclimating job, and I have helped out with several new members and on the admin team.”

Kyle is not only a graduate student but a full-time teacher and father.

“Outside of graduate school, I am a full-time Elementary Orchestra teacher in Alamance County, NC,” Kyle shares. “I received my undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T in Music Education in 2010 and have been teaching music ever since. I have two children, a 10-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter.”

Kyle is dedicated to his professional development and is involved in multiple academic societies.

“At East Carolina, I am also involved with the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society, the Graduate and Professional Student Senate, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity,” Kyle remarks. “In my personal life, I am active with Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, of which I am an alumni advisor, Freemasonry in Greensboro Lodge no. 76, the National Association for Music Education, the National Association of Educators, specifically our Alamance Chapter, and am an avid runner and music arranger. I also work as the adjunct percussion instructor at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia, teaching online.”

Kyle is grateful to be a part of Golden Key.

“Golden Key represents a chance for me to push myself in both an academic and leadership focus,” Kyle says. “This award allows me to finish paying for my master’s degree, and as a working teacher dad of two children, being able to afford a degree is incredibly important.”

Kyle is thankful to Golden Key for this scholarship and encourages others to join Golden Key.

“Knowing that Golden Key has provided me a massive return for my time, effort, and monetary investment, I encourage everyone who has a chance to join this amazing organization to do so and begin investing in their future,” Kyle exclaims.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Kyle; we wish you the best of luck finishing your Master’s in Music Education!

“Winning this scholarship is a blessing. It allows for me to further pursue my research projects and academics in pursuit of a career helping others as a future physician,” says Ryan.

Ryan is excited to be bettering himself by attending college.

“I grew up with my family in Gainesville, Georgia,” Ryan shares. “An undeveloped town at the time, it has since grown substantially, just as I have since growing up there. Now, I am in my second year of studying Biochemistry and Molecular biology at Mercer University actively pursuing a career as a physician where I will be able to change people’s lives for the better.”

Ryan is dedicated to his studies and involved in multiple honor societies and organizations.

“I am currently involved in various organizations, including honor societies like Golden Key and Alpha Epsilon Delta,” Ryan mentions. “Likewise, I am part of a faith-based organization called Baptist Collegiate Ministries. In each of these, I get to participate in service projects within the college’s community where I am able to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

Ryan is a hard worker and enjoys volunteering in his community.

“Mercer’s Golden Key chapter has offered me multiple new opportunities for skill development and service of my community,” Ryan remarks. “Right now, I actively volunteer at a homeless shelter and in a volunteer healthcare clinic, both of which serve low-income individuals in Macon, Georgia. Volunteering at both organizations has improved my ability to relate to others and has reinforced the importance of using my spare time to help others.”

Ryan enjoys participating in undergraduate research.

“I am also very involved in undergraduate research and am working on projects regarding the toxic effects of mercury on the kidneys,” Ryan explains. “By researching the mechanisms of the body’s absorption of the mercury and where it is stored, my research mentor and I plan to find ways to save the lives of patients that are suffering from mercury toxicity or the resulting kidney damage.”

Ryan hopes to continue his education at medical school.

“In the future, I plan to attend medical school in an MD or MD/Ph.D. program, apply for residency in internal medicine and conduct research in molecular biology so I can give patients the best outcomes possible,” Ryan says.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Ryan; we wish you the best of luck completing your degree!

“I moved to Canada in 2019 to pursue my post-secondary goals in psychology,” Amal says. “I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for the last three academic years, and I was also selected under the Dean’s list consecutively for the last two years.”

Amal is a dedicated student and has been recognized with many awards during his academic career.

“I am also the recipient of Carl Fraser (BBA 1974) Student Awards, UNB Saint John Campus Scholarship, Dr. Colin B. Mackay Scholarship, Golden Key S.J chapter newcomer scholarship, and the Golden Key S.J Undergraduate Achievement Award,” Amal mentions.

Amal is extremely honored to have received this award.

“I have applied for Golden Key scholarships for last two years and winning this award finally I feel so proud of myself,” Amal shares. “I told this news to my friends and family back in India and over here in Saint John, and they are all so excited for me; I have been working as both secretary and treasurer for the Golden Key UNBSJ chapter. I believe that persistence and sincere effort to achieve a goal would not be unfulfilled; it will always be rewarded.”

In addition to Amal’s academic excellence, he also holds important roles in additional societies and clubs.

“Apart from that, I am currently handling the V.P. Social Media position of UNBSJ Psych Society, and I have served under V.P. position of UNBSJ Chess Club,” Amal mentions.

Amal is very thankful for receiving this award.

“Winning this award means a lot to me,” Amal says. “I do not have many words to say other than a huge thank you for the committee to finally see my effort.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Amal; we wish you the best of luck completing your degree!

“I have always been curious to study the fundamental laws of nature, and I chose a degree in physics as it would satisfy my curiosity while enabling me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to go into an academic career in physics research,” Natnael says.

Natnael plans to further his studies after obtaining his bachelor’s.

“Once I graduate, I plan to further my studies by pursuing graduate studies in physics and eventually a Ph.D.,” Natnael reveals.

“Being a recipient of this award is incredibly important to me as it is a testament to my efforts in academic excellence and community service; values I know Golden Key is very keen on,” Nanael explains. “As such, this award is a huge encouragement for me and will push me to make the most of my very fortunate position and pursue my aims further. In particular, this award will motivate me to enhance my efforts to pursue a career in scientific research and inspire younger students, who might come from a background that looks upon it unfavorably, to do the same.”

Natnael plans to use his scholarship to further his education.

“As an international student intending to apply to graduate schools across the world, the scholarship will be of great benefit to me, and I plan to use it towards my graduate school application fees and related costs,” Natnael mentions.

Natnael is thankful for all the support he has received throughout his academic journey.

“I would like to thank my family, who have always supported and encouraged me throughout my academic journey, as well as my friends, professors and mentors, without whose support I would not have been able to stand in the position I am in,” Natnael remarks.

Natnael advises new Golden Key members to keep working hard.

“I encourage new Golden Key members to keep doing what they are doing and uphold Golden Key values by pursuing academic excellence in the context of the greater community,” Natnael shares.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Natnael; we wish you the best of luck applying to graduate school!

“I have always been fascinated by Biology and Social Studies back in High School, and I loved helping people,” Jingyi says. “Nursing seemed like the perfect choice because it combines theory and practice to serve those in need and save their lives.”

Jingyi has a deep passion for caring for and helping others.

“I want to work in the ICU after I graduate,” Jingyi explains. “Because of the pandemic, Canada is very short on staff for nurses. I want to help my country move through the pandemic with my degree.”

Jingyi is very grateful to receive this scholarship.

“This scholarship means so much to me,” Jingyi exclaims. “I am very honoured to receive the scholarship. It helped me realize my impact. This scholarship can also financially support me in my academics, registering for clinical training sessions, and purchasing goods to support my community when in need.”

Jingyi plans to use this scholarship to further his education.

“I will use this scholarship to thank my tutors, mentors, and professors who have helped me and supported me through 2021,” Jingyi mentions. “I will use this scholarship to pay tuition and purchase textbooks and NCLEX materials.”

Jingyi is a hard worker and very involved in his community.

“Currently, I affiliate with the University of Alberta Speech and Debate Society as the VP of Finance,” Jingyi remarks. “I am a journal editor on SPECTRUM, an open-access undergraduate science research journal based at the University of Alberta. I am the founder of Cvalley Global, an International Social Enterprise that promotes Mandarin education in K-12 students enrolled in the North American Mandarin bilingual program.”

Jingyi is thankful for everyone who has helped him along his journey.

“I want to thank Leanna Chan, one of my mentors who helped me build Cvalley Global,” Jingyi shares. “Without her, I would not have helped people and founded my organization. I also want to thank Dr. Chris Zhang for being my research supervisor and a great teacher. I would lastly like to thank my parents for supporting me in whatever I did. They have dedicated massive amounts of time and energy towards helping me in furthering my academics and leadership. I would not have gone so far without them supporting me!”

Jingyi’s hard work has paid off in the form of numerous scholarships.

“I have won various academic scholarships, including two Louise McKenney Post-Secondary Scholarships, a Helen MacArthur Prize in Nursing, a Don and Kathleen Hyde Scholarship, a Filipino Nurses Association in Alberta Scholarship in Nursing, and many research-based summer studentship awards,” Jingyi mentions.

Jingyi suggests everyone focuses on mental health.

“Mental health, especially during the pandemic, is significant,” Jingyi exclaims. “Stepping into a new and academically rigorous environment is already tricky enough, and lacking social interaction and a sense of community with peers due to the pandemic is even more difficult.”

Jingyi continues, “I would honestly suggest new members take university as an opportunity to meet new people, build connections and find their niche. Then, grasp every opportunity to impact this world, especially on issues that make you excited. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and take joy in helping others along the way.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Jingyi; we wish you the best of luck as you finish your degree!