By: Ryan Lewton, Muskingum ’14

Phi Psi donors have changed my life and here’s how.

I was fortunate to receive a fellowship to participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip put on by The United Way in March 2017. Originally, I had planned a more conventional spring break trip to Florida with some of my chapter brothers, but after learning about this opportunity from one of our advisors, I decided to take a chance and apply.

I had a feeling this experience would be something I’d remember for the rest of my life, one that would teach me much-needed leadership skills as well as help me become more humble in the real world. It did not disappoint.

Coincidentally my trip ended up filling a big need for a Boys and Girls Club in Oakland, California. There’s no Club near Muskingam, so I’d never visited one before for Phi Psi. I will never forget the kids that I got to spend time with and help that week.

While I started the week exhausted trying to keep up with the dozens of children running around the club, I quickly realized that come Friday it would be hard to leave. In the few days that my group was there, we spent time bonding with these kids – reading to them, helping with their homework, and just spending time together. When it came time to say goodbye at the end of the week, several became visibly upset and a few even started to cry. In that moment I knew; we had made an impact.

I went on this trip because I was selected to help people and gain a better understanding of the problems in our world outside of my local community. I truly saw extreme poverty, homelessness, and beauty all in the one week I was there. This trip has inspired me to think bigger and do what I can for those that cannot help themselves all while giving me memories that I will never forget.

Thank you to the alumni who donate to the Phi Psi Foundation for making this life-changing trip a reality for me.

Phi Kappa Psi Foundation is committed to funding fellowships that promote the leadership development of today’s college student. Learn more and encourage an undergraduate Phi Psi in your life to apply today.