Rotary Welcome Evening

Last night was the Rotary Welcome Evening for Scholars to District 1080 in Thetford. This year, there are five scholars in the district, myself, Eric Regnier, Dave Parker, Katie Creme, and Dhriti Pandhi. My host sponsors, Paul and his wife, drove myself, Dave, and Eric to Thetford. It is about a half hour away so impractical by bike!

When we first arrived Eric, Dave, and I were immediately impressed by this Rotary chair. It looked like a throne so we decided to take some pictures, but the ones with me in them didn't turn out so it's just the chair.

We arrived early which was nice because we were able to meet and greet all the Rotarians as they arrived. The evening began with an introduction by Nigel Neville, the Ambassadorial Scholars Sub-Committee Chairman for the district. He kept it short because he knew we all wanted to eat, but he made sure to hint to all of us scholars that we would be giving a short indroduction of ourselves after.

Nigel welcoming us

The food was served appetizer style so we could stand up and move around the room and chat with all the Rotarians. I was able to meet so many welcoming people! I was actually shocked at how many people came to welcome the five of us scholars to the district - the room was packed. It was also great to see Dhriti again since I hadn't really seen her since the Birmingham weekend.

After much food and coffee had been consumed, it was time for the five of us scholars to give our introduction speeches. I of course ended up having to go first. I tried to tell a little about my background, what I was studying, and what I hoped to get out of the year. Then the other four scholars gave their speeches as well. After, I couldn't help but think how impressive the other four scholars are and how lucky I am to be among such talented company. Two are studying development studies and the other two are studying technology policy and American studies.

Me giving my introduction speech. Notice how I am proudly wearing my Illinois Rotary pin - it actually comes in handy when I am describing where I am from.

The evening ended with the four of us scholars at Cambridge being tasked with the Cambridge Challenge which consists of volunteering at a Cambridge homeless shelter and getting involved with our local Rotaract, which is a Rotary organization for younger people my age. I am looking forward to getting involved with both projects!

My next Rotary event will be: speaking for the Rotary Club of March on November 24th.

From left to right: Dhriti, me, Eric, Dave, and Katie