By Clara Moffitt

The extent of our alumni force seems to always be expanding. Starting in Tempe, Arizona, and rising on from there. An alumnus from TPA’s Class of 2012 and founder of our De Equitibus, Robert Otting-Crandall has expanded the force to the rural villages of Africa. Robert is doing an alumni volunteer program from his school, St. John’s University in Minnesota, where he graduated with honors as a Philosophy major. He is teaching English and geography to youth ages 16-26 in northern Zambia, an hour- and-a-half away from the nearest town, which is 12 hours from the nearest city. “It has always been a dream of mine to do some sort of work here [in Africa],” says Robert. “My parents actually met while doing volunteer work with the Peace Corps in Togo, Africa.” For Robert, a typical day involves playing soccer with the villagers and teaching them how to play rugby. Robert lives deep in the rural, underdeveloped areas of Zambia, so he rarely sees cars and technology that we take for granted. “I am far in the bush, so it is very peaceful. I often find myself missing the luxuries I experience everyday in the States,” says Robert. In order to battle boredom and keep away homesickness, he keeps busy helping around the community by working on farms and tutoring students. Robert loves Africa and especially the people. He says, “The people are some of the friendliest I have ever met. They have welcomed me with open arms.” Robert arrived in Zambia in July, and plans on leaving in May. He is so happy with his work there and admires the different cultures. “Africa is an enormous place. Having travelled around a bit, it is amazing to see how different the cultures are in different countries here,” he says. Robert Otting-Crandall continues to make Tempe Prep proud and shares our legacy of service all over the world.