Chi Eta’s Abroad

Tyler Jury (WKU 2012) and Chaz Vittitow (WKU 2011) Belize

IMPACT Belize.  The program’s name says it all, but words hardly do the program justice.

Former XH President, Chaz Vittitow, and myself, Tyler Jury, had the unique opportunity over J-term to travel to Belize for 9 days

Along with instructors and students from a variety of disciplines- including Nursing, Dental Hygiene (Chaz and I are pre-dental students), Social Work, Women’s Studies, Folklore, and Environmental Health- we hosted medical/dental clinics and performed projects in conjunction with the $100 Solution to serve the community of Gales Point and strive to help them improve their quality of life. In our 3 days of clinical work the doctors and nurses were able to treat over 200 patients and the dental unit was able to see over 30 patients.  One day of our trip was committed entirely to education and outreach.  With donations from local dentist offices, we had several hundred packages of toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss that we were able to distribute to members of the community.   It was awesome to serve the community by providing services and items that we too often see as a right- rather than a privilege- here in America.
In addition to our 5 days of service to the community of Gales Point our group spent 2 days at Lamanai Outpost and Lodge in the northern part of the country.  We were staying at a beautiful lodge on the New River Lagoon surrounded by Mayan ruins and incredible rainforest habitat. While on our 2-day vacation, Chaz and I were able to tour the Mayan ruins, go on nature walks and experience some time relaxing in the hammocks and cabanas. We even sught out the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of going crocodile hunting!  After several hours on the air boat and many failed attempts, we final captured Albert (pictured above) and were able to use him for some interesting research that was partnered with the University of Florida.  (Don’t worry- Albert was released safely right where we caught him!).

After 9 days and a lot of memorable experiences, it was nice to return to KY and bring back our experiences to those around us.  Through our adventure we walked away with a greater appreciation and thanksgiving for the lives we have been granted, as well as an understanding of the drastic need around the world and our importance- as the next generation of leaders in this country- in working to make this world a better place.

Might Proud!

Tyler Jury

XH President

Perge!

I found traveling to Belize to be a very enriching experience in forms of education and cultural enrichment.  I was able to learn from Dr. Daniel Carter as I observed several dental operations and learned how to diagnose and operate on a patient suffering from dental disease.  But, also I was able to take my life experiences and culture to the country of Belize and specifically the village of Gales Point, Belize.  I was encouraged by the generosity of the people even though they had so little and the acceptance of the help we had to offer.  My experience was also enhanced by the company of my Chi Eta brother Tyler Jury, for the greatest lessons I will remember will be the ones I learned sharpening myself with my brother who challenged and encouraged me while in a foreign place.

Fraternally,

Chaz Vittitow

Trip Carpenter (WKU 2014) London

With a sudden loud roar and a quick jolt forward the plane took off. Vehemently chewing a piece of watermelon Double Bubble, the increase of my heart rate matched the increase of the plane’s speed. Nashville shrank below as we drifted higher and higher into the clouds. My friend, the Double Bubble, to whom my teeth so desperately clang, failed me when I needed him most, for my ears began to pop (next time I’m choosing Bubbilicious). However, the plane quickly leveled off and the ride became unexpectedly smooth. Not in the least bit hindered by my new near deafness, a sense of achievement overwhelmed me; I had conquered my first flight. When the dissension finally began I once again became consumed with excitement. Finally, what I had been waiting nearly all semester for was here; I had arrived in London. Being a history major, London was the perfect destination. Not only would I get to learn about some of the oldest history on the planet, but I would also be surrounded by it. Once the tours began, all of my expectations were blown away. Living in my classroom and seeing everything that I had read about gave me a greater connection to history than ever before. The true magnificence of history was manifested as my eyes feasted on London’s treasures, such as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Yet it was the little things that seemed to have a greater impact. Off the beaten track, hidden in a dark and somewhat shady ally was the George and Vulture, a tavern frequented by Benjamin Franklin. At the entrance to the tavern was a concrete step which sunk down towards the middle. The step was eroded by people who had been crossing its threshold for hundreds of years. Putting my foot on the same step that Ben Franklin climbed to get a drink after a hard day’s work taught me more than I could ever have imagined. Not only did it connect me very closely with history, but it increased my respect for the little things in history, something which I think is necessary for a fraternity to value.

Just like London, fraternities have histories, and oftentimes it’s returning to

that history which will help to preserve the fraternity. Reflecting on what the founders wanted to achieve in creating the fraternity and remaining true to those values is in most cases the best solution to any problem. It is when those values are forgotten that the purpose of a fraternity is no longer served. Brotherhood, service, and knowledge are all admirable factors in the creation of an honorable man, something which I take as the main goal of a fraternity. In addition to remembering history, creating it is also imperative. The creation of tradition, even if it is something small such as a worn-down step, is something that should never be undervalued. It’s through tradition that passion is spurred, and through passion that a true love is developed.

In summation, going to London taught me more than I ever could have learned in any classroom, not only about history, but also about life. Studying abroad gave me a better understanding of the importance of history, something I hope to help every fraternity brother of mine understand.

Fraternity,

Trip Carpenter

Cody Hutchins (WKU 2014) China Flagship Program

It’s always been my dream to engage in the many wonders of the Chinese culture. Therefore,  when given the chance at WKU this past winter, I not only realized that it would be a great addition to my college degree, but i also knew it would be a great opportunity for the Chi Eta Chapter to get some worldly experience under our belt.

In the weeks prior to the trip I would often discuss with my brothers many of the preconceived connotations that we had about the foreign country. However, after living in China over the course of three weeks, I experienced and learned so much more than any of us could have ever imagined. Sure, I knew the food would be great, and that the scenery would be astounding, but I never expected to learn so much about the cultural differences and barriers between China and the United States. And the great thing about it was that it was all first hand!

While in China I was able to partake in glamorous events such as hiking the Great Wall, celebrating the New Year in Hong Kong , and riding the fastest train in the world! Not only was I able to experience those popular events, but I was also able to see many things like how people in China live out their daily lives, the frequent problems they are faced with, and also what kind of infrastructure dictates their society.

So many of the things that I learned throughout my trip cannot be taught in any kind of textbook. The Lord has blessed me so much by giving me this opportunity, and now that I’m back I will be able to share all of my experiences with many of the people that encouraged me. I gained nothing but support from my FIJI brothers before I left for China, and I can’t wait to repay them and our Chi Eta Chapter with all of the knowledge and experience that I have gained over the past winter term.

Fraternally,

Cody Hutchins