Testimonials of our current Ambassadorial Scholars
Posted by Randy Brogden
on Mar 28, 2011
This information was sent to me, at my
request, to help build the Rotary Update Page in the Market News (our local newspaper). I had to edit some of Candice’s testimonial
so the content would fit in the page. I
am submitting the entire testimonials of both Ambassadorial Scholars for your
reading pleasure, and their well-earned recognition.
Candice Roggeveen Testimonial
Several months into my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and corresponding Masters studies (in Development and Emergency Practice at Oxford Brookes in Oxford, UK), I cannot say enough about the experience. In the interest of space and time, I will however attempt to contain myself.
The scholarship is not all fun and games, of course. It also involves copious amounts of work as Scholars balance a full academic work load and Rotary obligations, such as presenting to Rotary and non-Rotary audiences. Rotary presentations are always highly rewarding but my favourite presentation has to be a lesson I gave on Canada and bears to a class of 7-11 year olds in a disadvantaged area of a neighbouring community. It was incredible to see the excitement in their faces as we talked about bears and this “far away land” of Canada! I must say Rotarians tend not to jump out of their seats with enthusiasm to quite the same degree, although I have several more presentations so I may still be proven wrong!
As for the courses, every university and field of study is different. However, I sought to use my scholarship funds to obtain an education which intertwined academic theory with practical and hands-on tools and experiences, and to my delight, that is exactly what my program offers. So, I find myself learning under world renowned Humanitarian aid professionals, absorbing first hand field experience from current disasters and conflicts worldwide while planning a “field trip” to Israel to put into use the tools we are learning in the classroom! Needless to say, it is an eventful program requiring a high level of commitment, but it is also indescribably rewarding – a reality only possible because of the financial and social resources provided through the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship!
Natalie Abbott Testimonial
Rotary is an incredible organization both globally and locally. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced these first hand on many accounts. This past year I had the opportunity to go to study French language and culture in France through Rotary as a Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar. This experience has forever changed my life in various ways. I have grown in my world knowledge and understandings as well as I have been able to mature as an individual. After taking part in this adventure I feel that I have a whole new outlook on life; one that includes connecting people from all over the world and creating a greater appreciation and importance of a global community. I have made friends from all over the world, sharing and understand each other’s cultures. This is so important and one of Rotary’s aims for their scholars; with greater understanding there is greater tolerance. I truly believe that as young adults we have the power to change the world. Rotary has facilitated me; I have been able to grow as a citizen of the world and help others to do the same. Thank you, Rotary, for this life changing opportunity.
Several months into my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and corresponding Masters studies (in Development and Emergency Practice at Oxford Brookes in Oxford, UK), I cannot say enough about the experience. In the interest of space and time, I will however attempt to contain myself.
The scholarship is not all fun and games, of course. It also involves copious amounts of work as Scholars balance a full academic work load and Rotary obligations, such as presenting to Rotary and non-Rotary audiences. Rotary presentations are always highly rewarding but my favourite presentation has to be a lesson I gave on Canada and bears to a class of 7-11 year olds in a disadvantaged area of a neighbouring community. It was incredible to see the excitement in their faces as we talked about bears and this “far away land” of Canada! I must say Rotarians tend not to jump out of their seats with enthusiasm to quite the same degree, although I have several more presentations so I may still be proven wrong!
As for the courses, every university and field of study is different. However, I sought to use my scholarship funds to obtain an education which intertwined academic theory with practical and hands-on tools and experiences, and to my delight, that is exactly what my program offers. So, I find myself learning under world renowned Humanitarian aid professionals, absorbing first hand field experience from current disasters and conflicts worldwide while planning a “field trip” to Israel to put into use the tools we are learning in the classroom! Needless to say, it is an eventful program requiring a high level of commitment, but it is also indescribably rewarding – a reality only possible because of the financial and social resources provided through the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship!
Natalie Abbott Testimonial
Rotary is an incredible organization both globally and locally. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced these first hand on many accounts. This past year I had the opportunity to go to study French language and culture in France through Rotary as a Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar. This experience has forever changed my life in various ways. I have grown in my world knowledge and understandings as well as I have been able to mature as an individual. After taking part in this adventure I feel that I have a whole new outlook on life; one that includes connecting people from all over the world and creating a greater appreciation and importance of a global community. I have made friends from all over the world, sharing and understand each other’s cultures. This is so important and one of Rotary’s aims for their scholars; with greater understanding there is greater tolerance. I truly believe that as young adults we have the power to change the world. Rotary has facilitated me; I have been able to grow as a citizen of the world and help others to do the same. Thank you, Rotary, for this life changing opportunity.