Both my MSc at the University of Edinburgh and my PhD at the University of Cambridge have been supported by Rotary International, through first a Service Above Self scholarship and later, a Rotary International Global Grant.

I was awarded a Rotary International Service Above Self Scholarship by District 7980 for academic year 2013-2014 to help me complete my MSc at the University of Edinburgh. This scholarship allowed me to embrace my new community in Scotland in the same spirit as I had the home I left behind. From speaking to Rotary Clubs to attending and participating in events run by the Scouts and the Scottish Storytelling Centre, I met a network of wonderful, passionate people who were committed to not only serving the local community but also to fostering better fellowship between people around the world.

As part of that scholarship, I organized and planned workshops with international students where I used team-building games to open discussions on nationality, global citizenship, and how to foster communication across cultural barriers.

I was then very lucky to be then awarded a Global Grant in 2017 with the support of the Rotary Club of Madison and Rotary International District 7980, to pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge. This grant allowed me to study children’s literature and media at the Centre for Research in Children’s Literature at Cambridge.

As a former RI scholar I am available to speak with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians about both my education goals, my research and its applications, and my experience with my local club growing up. I can be reached through the contact form.