You never know . . .

A concept that has been reinforced during my transition:

One never know what is going to happen, when it is going to happen, or why it is going to happen. One will question all of these things, but if it is meant to take place, then it will force itself upon you regardless of how much one denies it, does not believe they are capable of completing it, or are in denial of it. Every experience is a learning experience and an opportunity to grow.

My rushed move to D.C. has proven to be a great opportunity. I enjoy my internship, I’m experiencing a part of the U.S. that I have never experienced before, and now I’m going to experience Rotaract in D.C.!

Here are a few updates on some of my happenings:

Ambassadorial Scholar Year Track:
- In the next few days will begin filling out my application to apply to the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile in the program of International Relations for my year abroad.
- I have also been in contact with another ambassadorial scholar who will be studying at the same institution, in the same program, during the same time. We have been helping each other out by keeping each other posted and letting the other know about our findings during our preparations.

Rotaract:
- I’ve been in contact with the Rotaract Club of Washington DC and I plan on attending their next meeting! I’m very excited.
- I hope to attend the Rotary Day at the United Nations in November! I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the history and role of Rotary at the UN.

MicroLending:
- I have sent various emails informing Rotarians and other contacts about the University of St. Thomas MicroCredit Program Fundraiser, which will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 7pm at the University of St. Thomas. To learn more about this program please visit: www.stthom.edu/microcredit.

News Update! I’m In D.C.

I have just completed my first full week at my internship with the Department of Commerce. Today, the University of St. Thomas has released an article about the wonderful opportunities afforded to me by HNIP and Rotary.

Check it out here:

Martinez Lands Department of Commerce Internship

The goodness of Rotary doesn’t end in your district

Recently the Rotaract Club of River Oaks hosted a summer retreat. The purpose of this retreat was to build strong relations between club members, educate new members on Rotary and make them feel part of the organization, and enjoy a relaxing weekend.

As plans were being finalized for this retreat our wonderful club officers ran into issues with the booking of the selected location. With time running out, we were informed that we were no longer allowed to rent the selected property due to complications. All of the work put forth was jeapodized by this major change.

This is when I put my Rotary thinking cap on and decided to contact the Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Canyon Lake. Within one day we had many responses and suggestions. Two of the emails in particular included invitations from Rotarians offering to host us in their homes. I was surprised by their kind offer and immedately informed my Rotaract Club President. We gratefully accepted the invitation from one of the Rotarians (only one so that all the Rotaractors would bond together throughout the trip).  Our host Rotarian was extremely welcoming. We enjoyed our time at his home, got to know a little about his club and district, and were able to experience many beautiful treasures of Canyon Lake.

This kind guesture brought to light that the Rotary family is just that, a family. We are all connected through this great organization that seeks to promote peace by helping others, putting “Service Above Self” and upholding the noble Four-Way Test.

Rotaractors, Rotarians, Interactors, and many more should always remember that the goodness of Rotary does not begin and end at club meetings, but rather that it carries on throughout the world at any given moment and location.

Hello world!

Welcome to my new website. I am currently working on transitioning my information from my old site to this one. Feel free to look around. I plan to have information on the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, Rotaract, and updates on how I am getting involved in my community, as well as preparing for my year abroad.