Ambassadorial Scholarship: Renata Sago’s Scholarship Experience

Posted by Stephen R Broome 
on Nov 20, 2011
 

 

Over a month ago, I walked into the Chicago airport with an overstuffed suitcase, a banner from my sponsor Rotary club, and a huge smile on my face. On my way to the airport, I had experienced a range of emotions —excitement, contemplation, and apprehension at the thought of leaving my mother, grandmother, dog, and everything else I had grown to know and love for all twenty-two years of my life in my hometown.

But the thought of being in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe for a year as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar was enough to make me feel thrilled about what was coming

 

 

After a tear-jerking Hollywood-esque “good bye” scene between me and my family, I checked in at the airport and followed the sounds of Creole, French and Spanish to the departure terminals. I arrived at the gate and sat down with my new travel buddies—people of all shades headed to Haiti for a layover where some would stay and others would continue on with me to Guadeloupe. For most of these people, this was a routine trip home, but for me, I was leaving everything familiar to enter a new world.

 

When the plane landed and I walked into the airport, the first thing I saw gave me such a warm feeling that the long customs line didn’t bother my normally impatient self. It was a blue and yellow sign with the Rotary symbol: “Bienvenue - Rotary Clubs of Guadeloupe.” Within an instant, I felt as if I was amongst family. The sign reminded me of the power of Rotary International and how much of a gift it is for me to have the opportunity to be a part of Rotary’s work.

 

What started out as my pursuit of a Masters degree in Political Science at Université des Antilles et de la Guyane has turned out to be more than I could have possibly imagined. I have been welcomed with open arms by Rotarians and Rotaractians throughout Guadeloupe’ I have had the honor of meeting District 7030 Governor Quentrall-Thomas; I have visited clubs; I have attended service events; and I have even been interviewed on local television about being an Ambassadorial Scholar.

And just to think—all of this has happened in my first few weeks here.

Guadeloupe is a beautiful place, and its beauty is both conventional and unconventional. Its history is rich and its people are as colorful as the paint on the bright houses that decorate the island.  What is most inspiring about being here is the overwhelmingly high spirit and pride for what is here. Where visitors see infrastructural shortcomings, Guadeloupians see potential. Rotarians see opportunities for service. And that is inspiring.

I am enjoying every moment of my time here, and I am indebted to the Rotarians of District 6450 for sponsoring my Ambassadorial scholarship. I would especially like to thank my sponsor club, Rotary Chicago Southeast for adopting me into their family and being a great source of support and wisdom.  I am also appreciative of the warm welcome I have received from Rotarians of District 7030.

Please read more about my Ambassadorial year at www.renatagwada.com. If you are interested in more information about Rotary District 6450 or projects in Guadeloupe, please connect with me through my blog.