Update on Rachel Walters

 

Thank you for the kind words and for welcoming me into the Scarsdale Rotary Club. I’m so pleased to continue my involvement with Rotary after all the support I’ve been given to complete my studies. 

 

I wanted to formally thank you all and the Albert Park Rotary Club in Melbourne, Australia for sponsoring me. From the moment I had my first involvement with Rotary, I was very impressed with the work that Rotary does, and the Rotarians I met. I was thrilled to receive a scholarship from an organization that aligns so well with my own values.

 

I want to particularly thank David Gorman from Albert Park Rotary Club, who supported me through the Global Grant application process and answered my many questions, and Richard and Marianne Cantor for being such wonderful hosts and quasi-family over the past year, including providing endless support, welcoming me into their home for the holidays with their family, and taking me on numerous outings, a highlight being apple picking / pumpkin patch visiting for the true ‘Fall’ experience!

 

Studying at Columbia was an incredible experience and the fulfillment of a long-held dream. I was able to learn from leading professors and make connections with a broad range of people practising in international law and human rights. 

 

I’m now looking forward to starting work with the UN in September, where I’ll be in the Afghanistan Team within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Afghanistan and working to try to achieve lasting peace in the region. 

 

These experiences would not have been possible without the support of Rotary, so thank you once again for everything. I look forward to a lifelong involvement with Rotary and will be glad to help support future Global Grant scholars through this process. 

 

And finally, here’s a picture of me in my graduation regalia!"