When ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ student Maggie McCullough stepped off the plane in Lusaka, Zambia, she expected the heat and the cultural differences. What she didn't expect was how much she would learn, in just one week, about her understanding of service and community and her own potential.
βWe Do All the Same Things, Just in Vastly Different Waysβ
McCullough is from Ebensburg, PA and is in her sophomore year at ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State in the Fashion Merchandising program. Sheβs also the vice president of philanthropy for the ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State chapter of Delta Zeta sorority. McCullough was in a group that traveled to Zambia Dec. 1-7 as part of a mission with Starkey Hearing Foundation, Delta Zeta's national philanthropy partner. The foundation's motto, "So the World May Hear," reflects its ambitious mission to provide hearing healthcare in more than 100 countries, having delivered over 1.5 million hearing healthcare services to people in need worldwide.
"I definitely expected Zambia to be a lot different from my hometown and ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State, but I just didn't know how," McCullough said. "The streets were very busy with people walking in and out of traffic, with no crosswalks like we are used to. And at every stoplight, people were selling various goods like fruit, flowers and even shoes."
ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State encourages students to look at the world with a global perspective and to open doors of opportunity β for themselves and others.
Despite the differences, McCullough found unexpected similarities. "It was very interesting to see that we do all the same things but just in vastly different ways," she said. "The people were always kind and proud to show us their culture."
A Warm and Heartfelt Welcome
The mission centered on the Starkey Hearing Institute in Lusaka, established in 2016 to combat the dire shortage of hearing healthcare professionals in Africa. The institute educates community-based providers who return to their communities to provide ongoing care.
McCullough said their arrival at the institute is one of her favorite memories.
"When we first got there, we were greeted with students, alumni, faculty and even a band lining the front pathway dancing, singing and cheering for our arrival," McCullough said. The students surprised everyone with the grand opening of "Mama Tani's Nest," new dormitories named for foundation co-founder Tani Austin.
βThere Is No Greater Feeling Than Providing Careβ
McCullough and her fellow volunteers received training in Starkeyβs Wide-Frequency Audibility (WFA) method of fitting hearing aids before meeting with patients.
On the day when they met with patients, which they called βmission day,β, McCullough was paired with Delta Zeta National President Cathy Painter. Together, they helped provide hearing aids to nearly 300 patients. βThere is no greater feeling than providing care and support to those who need it most,β McCullough said.
"The undeniable joy that filled the institute that day was life-changing," she said. One moment stands out: dancing with children from a deaf school who had just been fitted with hearing aids. "We held hands and danced in a circle to Taylor Swift, laughing and helping the little girls settle into their new hearing aids."
The trip coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia. At the graduation ceremony and dinner, McCullough received wisdom from co-founder Tani Austin that she now carries with her: "Always assume that somebody wants to know you."
"Meaning never be afraid to talk to someone and introduce yourself," McCullough explained. "I met so many people on this trip who taught me so much about the world and about travel."
At the end of mission day, foundation co-founder Bill Austin personally thanked each volunteer and presented them with a Starkey Hearing Angel necklace. One young patient, Matilda, approached McCullough and signed "thank you" in American Sign Language.
"That was a very special moment," McCullough said.
Bringing Global Perspectives Back to ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State
McCullough's journey to Zambia began with her role as vice president of philanthropy for Delta Zeta at ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State. The position not only enabled her to attend the mission but also sparked significant personal and professional growth.
"Last year, I was able to attend the Ignite the Flame Philanthropy Summit in Minneapolis, and this past summer I went to the Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conference at Miami University," she said. "Both of these experiences allowed me to meet Delta Zeta women from all over the country, creating friendships and getting hands-on experience in a professional setting."
All of ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State academic programs include hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The universityβs student organizations can play a complementary by providing additional opportunities for students to learn β and grow.
βPush Yourself Outside of Your Comfort Zoneβ
"Joining Delta Zeta was the best decision I ever made for myself, and it has made my time at ΜμΜμ³ΤΉΟ State so amazing," McCullough said. "I would not be the woman I am today if it weren't for the people I have met and the experiences I've had in Delta Zeta."
Thinking about her time in Zambia and all that she learned, McCullough was asked if she had advice she would share with other students.
"Take as many opportunities as you can, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, because you might just find a new passion," she said. "It is really easy to take what we have for granted, especially when it's something we have always had, like hearing. There is no greater feeling than providing care and support to those who need it most."
The experience has inspired McCullough to become "as well-traveled as I can," developing a deep interest in experiencing new places and learning about different cultures. Each night during the mission, she and her fellow Delta Zetas discussed their favorite moments, determined to bring the spirit of service back to their chapters.
A line from the Delta Zeta creed captures what the experience meant to her: "a love that is ever steadfast."
"I am so proud to be a Delta Zeta and to be a part of an organization that is actively changing the world," McCullough said.
