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The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

International student elected president for City College honor society

When Hannah Strömgren gets discouraged, she jumps in her car and drives out to Malibu. She looks at nice houses and cars and when she returns she feels ready to get back to work.

Strömgren, 20, is a double major in political science and international relations. This semester she was elected president for City College’s honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, which made her the first Swedish president in their 14-year history.

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“It’s an honor,” Strömgren said. “Even though I’m not American I’m here to benefit the American society. I’m honored to give back to American society, what they gave to me.”

Previous semesters PTK has focused on worldwide issues with events such as fundraisers. Last semester they collected $5,500 for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. This semester, which is Strömgren’s fifth at City College, she wants to focus on making changes to the school through motivation and education.

Strömgren wants to encourage the members of PTK, and by being well organized and leading well she believes she will get a hardworking team.

“I want to encourage people working together,” Strömgren said. “I don’t want to force people; I want them to come because of team spirit.”

Strömgren has lived most of her life in Sweden, but as a child she also lived six years in Saudi Arabia. Her father got a job there, so the whole family decided to move. In Saudi Arabia, she lived in a protected environment and always had people around her.

When the family moved back to Sweden it was a big adjustment for Strömgren. Her mother ordered her to ride the bus to school by herself and she was absolutely terrified.

“It was super hard coming back to Sweden, ” she said. “I was scared of everything.”

But the courage Strömgren’s family showed when they moved to Saudi Arabia was also the thing that inspired her to move across the world and broaden her perspective on life.

Besides being the president of PTK, she has also been in the Student Coalition, as well as an international student ambassador.

“Hannah is a very driven and passionate person that does what she believes in,” said Annie Lindgren, a member of PTK.

Strömgren said she wants to be a role model, and wants to show people that you can still have fun while doing something productive for the community.

“Hannah is outspoken, social, and well organized, which are all qualities that will serve her well in her new role as President of Phi Theta Kappa,” said Carola Smith, senior director of City College’s international programs.

“She is a role model to her peers and has strong leadership qualities, and I have no doubt that she will do well in her new position,” Smith said.

Members of PTK must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 and pay a one time fee of $80. Being a member of PTK can open up many doors, including bettering chances to get scholarships.

“Success is not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success,” Strömgren said. “And if you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” 

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