The Delta Chi Fraternity is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our esteemed fraternity brother, Riley Strain. Our hearts go out to Riley’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time as we work to provide support and resources to all those affected by this tragedy.

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Alumni Appreciation Week: Adam Day Trowbridge

Alumni Appreciation Week: Adam Day Trowbridge

Adam Day Trowbridge

“I truly believe I am the man I am today because of Delta Chi. The friendships I formed and how they shaped me, and the discipline and community of living in the house made me a better person, no question. But if I had to pick one thing, I would say my Delta Chi experiences helped me present my best self to the world.”

Chapter:
Abracadabra ’04

Occupation:
Co-Owner/Co-Director of Iron and Pine Preschool

 

  • I was initiated at the Abracadabra chapter  in 2004. I am now the co-owner and co-director of Iron and Pine Preschool. I work with my business partner Jess, who is more the curriculum director, while I handle the business details.
  • I was motivated to start this preschool because, while I loved working in preschool and I knew I wanted to make it my career, I was also smart enough to see that the only people making good money in this field were those who owned their own program. As with anything, it usually pays to work for yourself instead of someone else. I started in the corporate world, because I had truly no idea what I wanted to do except make lots of money.  After four and a half years of having a phone, a desk, and a computer, I realized that no matter what my title, role, or paycheck was, I was never going to be satisfied (in that environment). I knew I needed something intrinsically fulfilling for my job, and even though I had what I thought was an ideal corporate setup, it wasn’t ever going to make me happy. I got an internship working in an elementary school and loved with working with kids. I wasn’t sure I was going to do preschool until I tried it, and after the first couple weeks, something clicked and I realized I really understood the 3-5 year old stage of development.  I worked there for two years and then had to move. After a couple years of floating around, I got word of a building that already housed a preschool that was moving out. So I asked about it, crunched some numbers and figured out I could totally build a program here. We have been in business since September and I am proud to say as of January we are set to turn our first profit!
  • The thing I enjoy most is working with the kids. No two days are the same, it’s always a challenge, but usually a good challenge. It’s very rewarding working with kids because they teach you so much, like patience and self-control, and they bring so much joy to my day by just being themselves. I also love that it’s my own business so I get to use all the best things I’ve seen from programs I’ve worked in and avoid all the nonsense that comes with working for someone else.
  • My most rewarding experience so far has been hearing from parents how much the children love our school. It’s one thing to impress parents with an initial visit, it’s quite another to have a child for six and a half hours in a day for multiple days and have them going home talking about how much fun they had and asking to go back.
  • My best friend to this day was in Delta Chi with me, so there’s always that connection (to the Fraternity). I stay in touch with a bunch of guys through social media; one started a deli, one ran for office and won, a lot are having kids, so it’s cool to see stuff like that. I still get the emails from whoever is “E” at the time, so one of these days I’m going to take them up on an offer.
  • I truly believe I am the man I am today because of Delta Chi. The friendships I formed and how they shaped me, and the discipline and community of living in the house made me a better person, no question. But if I had to pick one thing, I would say my Delta Chi experiences helped me present my best self to the world. Little things like teaching handshakes or tying a tie instilled in me that it’s important to put your best face forward and to pay attention to how you come across. That helps me particularly as a business owner.
  • The advice I would give to undergraduate members is the best truest advice that I received while an undergrad. “In this Fraternity, you get out what you put in.” I took that to heart and I put a lot into the Fraternity.  Sure, we were proud of our academics and social events, but the bonds of brotherhood will change you, no question about it. You have to put in the effort to make the house a nice place to be for everyone. And when you give this Fraternity all you have, what you get back is everything you need to become your best self. Joining Delta Chi was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I hope it’s as positive a place for everyone today as it was for me over 10 years ago.

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