Valencia College student Trinity Tresner was recently named one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members honored with a 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. The scholarship, which helps new PTK members with educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs, awards a $1,000 scholarship to each scholar.
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in honor society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
“Winning this scholarship genuinely means the world to me,” Tresner said. “I am extremely appreciative of every scholarship I receive because my mom and I work hard to pay my tuition out of pocket. I’m also grateful to know that my accomplishments have been recognized by Phi Theta Kappa, Coca-Cola, and Valencia College. I feel seen, heard and important.”
Although she is now a PTK member and Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, Tresner wasn’t initially sure if college would be the best option for her after she graduated from Haines City High School in 2017. After taking a year off, working as a server for a few months and being told often that she “wasn’t college material,” she changed her mindset and realized no one could limit her potential.
“I ultimately decided that I wanted to be a better role model for my sisters and prove the naysayers wrong…I decided it was time for me to move back to Poinciana and enroll at Valencia College,” Tresner said. “Needless to say, enrolling to Valencia and becoming a first-generation student is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Tresner’s acceptance into PTK and her recent scholarship award are just the beginning of the educational journey she has embarked on. Upon her graduation from Valencia College, Tresner wishes to continue building upon her education and expanding her potential opportunities by enrolling in Florida State University with the goal of eventually being accepted to the FSU College of Law.
“Education is a powerful tool,” Tresner said. “You have the ability to leave a positive mark on this world…Even if you don’t notice it right now, there are people out there who want to see you succeed.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
Extra: Learn how Trinity Tresner persevered when Valencia College moved all of its classes online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOQkDAw3oec