A Theta's Story
This is a portion of the website to help you get to know an Alpha Chi Theta a little more. This will show you the personality of our individuals within the house and who we strive to be through our experiences during our time here at Purdue.
Follow a Theta through an experience that has affected not only her life, but the community at Theta as well. This will be updated frequently through out the year, so check back to hear stories from our house.
Always remember, Faith Hope & Love- But the greatest of these is Love.
Name: Caroline Haywood
Grade: Sophomore
Major: Elementary Education
Minors: Spanish & Global Studies
Where did you go and when?
I went to Tanzania, East Africa in May.
What program was it with?
College of Education with Purdue Study Abroad.
Briefly describe what you did while you were there. What would a normal day look like?
We would wake up in the morning and go to class. I got 7 credits while I was there and our class was held in a small compound where 25 other Purdue students and myself were taught. 10 of us were from Purdue, and the other 15 from Grand Valley. After this, we'd go teach the children and the school and spend time with them.
What impacted you the most about the experience?
I loved the way they value education in Tanzania. Teachers hold a high term of endearment whereas in the U.S we have so many issues with teachers receiving the respect they deserve. I just really appreciated that they hold the educators in such high esteem. I also loved being with the kids. They made every day of teaching so enjoyable and were really inspiring.
What was it like having a Theta sister who was a senior when you were just a freshman?
I loved that I got to share that experience with someone who was older in the house and that we became so close coming out of the experience. I didn't know her (Elena McCord) at all, so it was especially nice to get to know her and bond with a Theta.
How have you brought those experiences in Tanzania back to Purdue, and back to the Theta house in particular?
Now that I've had the experience over seas I'm encouraging my sisters and other friends to really consider doing the same thing. I think learning about what you're studying in a completely different environment and culture only makes your work here at school that much better and helps you appreciate every aspect of the education we receieve at Purdue.
