Alpha Chi Holds 2017 National Convention in Kentucky

An experienced educator, Kristin Kinkel earned her degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Hawaii Pacific University. She recently served as head instructor and judge at Varsity Spirit Corporation where she led workshops and camps for different cheerleading teams across the country. While studying at university, Kristin Kinkel was a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, a co-educational honor society that aims to promote excellence in academics and character among students in colleges and universities. Since 1922, the society has honored students who have achieved such merit.

Around 400 members of Alpha Chi gathered in April, 2017, in Louisville, Kentucky, for the society's annual national convention. Themed “Transcending Boundaries,” the convention kicked off with different activities including individual research presentations, collaborative research project competition, and keynote addresses. Dr. Ed Madden, a poet and professor at the University of South Carolina, was recognized as this year's distinguished alumnus for his ardent conviction, intellect, and artistry.

During the three-day event, recipients of the society’s fellowship and national scholarships were announced. The awards included the Joseph E. Pryor Fellowship and the Edwin W. Gaston, Jr. Scholarship.

TESOL’s 2017 Convention in Seattle

After attending the University of Oregon for a year, Kristin Kinkel won a full scholarship for cheerleading to attend Hawaii Pacific University, where she studied English language teaching. From there, Kristin Kinkel applied her TESOL certification to positions as a bilingual educational assistant in Hillsboro, Oregon, and as an English teacher working with Japanese students in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

TESOL is an international association that focuses on excellence in English language teaching through publications, online resources, and events like the 2017 TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo, held this past March in Seattle, Washington. 

The convention focused on improving English teaching techniques with modern technology, interconnection, and innovation. Over 6,100 participants attended the conference, representing more than 100 countries all over the world. The conference provided approximately 1,000 different sessions the participants could attend on topics like language assessment, public policy, and technology. Writer Sherman Alexie opened the event with a keynote speech on his experiences living on an Indian reservation and the idea of English identity. The 2018 TESOL convention will be held in Chicago, Illinois.