The following is a message forwarded to District 9640 by Lauren in June 2008:

Hello and G’Day!

 My words come to you from Bridgewater, Vermont in the United States of America. I am the Rotary District #7870 Ambassadorial Scholar recipient for 2008-2009 and will be traveling down under very shortly- (and) heading your way! 

I will be studying at Griffith University, for a Masters in Education. I graduated from The University of Vermont in May of 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a minor in English. Since then, I worked as a Preschool teacher at two locations, each vastly different, but enriching, challenging and enjoyable. I love working with young children, and to share my days and encourage a positive growth experience with the inquisitive minds of future adolescents brings me joy and fulfillment.  

I will be arriving in Australia on July 11th, and my orientation for classes begins the July 14^th.

 I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further my education, and it is only through the generosity of Rotary that this immense change and adventure is happening. I have visited Australia once before, when I was in my third year of college. My younger brother and I attended James Cook University in Townsville for a semester, and LOVED it. I have always been intrigued and drawn by Australia, and I knew after a few months there that I would go back.

 Made possible by this generous scholarship, I will be able to attend school and connect with a wonderful group of people- Rotarians!

 When I am at University, I’m planning on looking for employment with children in some form. The opportunity to connect with children from another culture will teach me as much as I will teach them! I would like to visit schools while in Australia, and learn as much as I can from talking with people in the field about the philosophies, methods, and practices of the education system in Australia.  

I am very fortunate to have received this wonderful opportunity to travel and continue with my education, and I will give back to the Rotary as much as I have been given (will be given).  

When I arrive, my immediate objectives are to find housing, settle into classes, and then make my rounds of the Rotary Clubs of the Gold Coast area.  I look forward to joining in your projects, and getting to know the Rotary members. I can best be reached via email at the moment, at l_ssummer@hotmail.com

The members of  Parkwood Rotary Club were delighted to welcome Lauren to the meeting of the Club on 22 July 2008. President Allen Richards announced that she would be returning as the guest speaker at a meeting in the near future.

Ambassadorial Scholars

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