Two years ago this month, I was chatting with one of my professors and she mentioned that I should consider applying for an Ambassadorial Scholarship with the Rotary Foundation. At that time, I was vaguely aware of the mission of Rotary and certainly could not have imagined the way Rotary would change my life. In the last two years, I have continued to be amazed by the common vision, activities, and commitment to service among Rotarians. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such an incredible organization and have such outstanding sponsors at the Tempe Rio Salado Rotary Club.
"Service above self." When I first read this motto from the Rotary, I remember thinking, "Wouldn't it be great to work with an organization with that slogan?!"Being around Rotarians, especially my sponsor club in Tempe, made me realize that this is not just a slogan or feel-good catch phrase among Rotarians this is the way they structure club activities and plan their lives. I was blown away by their commitment to service, from eradicating polio to promoting literacy among children and everything in between.
So, what exactly is my role with Rotary in Chile? The purpose of my scholarship is, "to promote international understanding and goodwill through study in another country." For me, this plays out practically in four ways.
First, this means that I have the opportunity to connect, be a part of, and visit Rotary clubs down here. I have a club here that is my "host club." So, I go to their weekly meetings and really get to know these people. I will also be visiting other clubs down here and giving presentations. This aspect of my scholarship allows me to spend quality time with Rotarians, learn about their clubs, and get involved in their service projects.
Second, I attend a university here. I am studying history at the La Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. The history department is housed in a castle, which I just find super entertaining. Classes started yesterday! Woohoo. Of course, I was fifteen minutes early. I really felt like the gringa. Too be honest, I am a little stressed about being a full time student in all Spanish classes but I am viewing this as a new learning experience and part of the language acquisition process.
Third, I am able to do one of the things I love the most- work on service projects. I started volunteering with a local organization in Valparaíso that focuses on environment care and community development. Right now, I am volunteering with them and translating all their documents, vision statements, videos, etc. into English. When I first met with them, they mentioned that they wanted to reach an international audience and needed help translating. I am really enjoying working on project with them and am glad to be able to use my English skills to promote their cause.
Finally, I get to build friendships with people here and promote goodwill through my interactions with Chileans. I feel fortunate to have met some amazing Chileans. We have had some really wonderful dinners, camping trips, hang out on the beach time, etc. One thing I noticed my first couple weeks here is that Chileans just hang out- no agenda, no pressing schedule. I thought I was use to hanging out with people I didn't really know that well but being here made me realized that most of the time in the States I always had activities, plans, a schedule, etc. Being here is teaching me how to hang out with people with no other plan than just enjoying being together.
Two years ago, there is no way I could have imagined what a fantastic and challenging journey this would be. I am excited to see what the next weeks and months hold for me in Chile and as a part of the Rotary Community.
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