I risk sounding like a nerd or a smart-ass, but here are the facts: I love Golden Key International Honour Society, I loved being the president of my campus chapter of Golden Key, and I am honored to serve the chapter a co-adviser next year.

For those who don't know what it is (many haven't heard of it), it is an academic honor society honoring students (formerly just juniors and seniors, but now inviting sophomores and graduate students to join) for their academic acheivements. They are invited based on their grades (the top 15% of each appropriate class is eligible), and once a member, always a member.

Golden Key isn't just a United States organization; there are 350 chapters around the world, including in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

There are three areas of life Golden Key emphasizes excellence in: leadership, service, and scholarship.

Leadership is encouraged in several ways, including various conferences held through Golden Key. Each chapter also needs local leaders, including presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, secretaries, sergeant at arms, advisers, and so on to help lead members and hold events. Golden Key is a great opportunity to gain leadership skills. Being president was my biggest leadership role in a college club, and I am grateful for the experience I gained.

While it certainly values academic performance, Golden Key realizes the importance of other involvements, including community service. For instance, the Cal Poly chapter's members have assisted with on-campus voting polls, tutored at local elementary schools, collected items for the San Diego wildfires and other drives, and participated in Make a Difference Day. There are also certain projects and events Golden Key International supports, including Jumpstart Kits of school supplies for children in low-income areas.

Scholarship is recognized by the various financial awards students can receive through Golden Key. I earned a scholarship through my chapter as a new member, and students can apply for national and other awards available.

Golden Key is also great because of the discounts you can get from companies like Target, Best Buy, and more, that are changed and rotated every once in a while. I always check my Golden Key account to see if I can get a better deal, and I know other chapter officers at Cal Poly have, especially on car insurance.

There are also certain opportunities available only to Golden Key members, like internships and even jobs with certain companies. Golden Key International is partners with various companies and organizations like Teach for America, Bank of America, Boeing, and more. Plus, they have test prep sessions and other things available at a discount or free.

It's just a great way to get connections... and many say it looks great on a resume. When I was applying for housing, the manager looked me up on Google and saw I was president of Golden Key and was impressed enough to offer me the place.

I hate to sound like an advertisement or representative, but Golden Key has done so much for me that I want to spread the news to others because it seems many haven't heard of it. I only heard about it right before I was inducted, from another Golden Key member.

Don't let the $70 fee scare you away if you are invited... it's worth it! Finally, you should get a cord or stole if you can for graduation... they look great.

Please ask me any questions about Golden Key if you have any.