Lesley Pruitt Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2004-05 District 6150 to 9600 Final Report Academic Achievements   Ambassadorial Scholar, Lesley Pruitt and her friend, Noam, the Koala in Australia            I feel sure I will always remember my year as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar as an incredible part of my life. While I originally intended to study public policy while in Australia, I arrived to learn that the university had made a mistake in admitting me, as the program was not open to international students. I then began research to find another graduate program into which I could gain acceptance with my B.A. in Political Science, and I found myself in the Rotary program in International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Studying in this program afforded me the opportunity to get more involved with Rotary by meeting and working with the Rotary World Peace scholars. I studied classes covering such topics as: International Relations theory, ethics and human rights, gender in international development and politics, mediation, peacekeeping, conflict prevention and resolution, and international security. These were all quite interesting, and I studied hard to receive top marks, which earned me an Executive Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement. I was also lucky enough to receive an invitation to return to UQ for a final semester with 100% tuition paid. At first I was unsure whether I would take up this offer, as I do not have the money to cover the airfare and other costs of returning. However, I recently received an offer to serve as a research assistant for a new professor at the university, and this position will help offset some of the cost of living. Thus, I will be returning to Australia next month for one more semester to complete the full Masters degree. During this semester I plan to enroll in a Spanish course to attain language skills that will be beneficial in public service jobs in the U.S. upon my return. In any case, I feel confident that the study I have completed will look favorable to prospective employers, and the class I completed in UQ’s law school gave me insight on what law school would be like should I enroll full-time in the future. Changed Outlook           While I was in Australia, I learned that there can be a great deal of hostility toward the U.S. and Americans even in a country that is considered a close ally. I tried to contribute to the Rotary Foundation’s mission of world understanding and peace by trying to change perceptions many people, including some Rotarians, held of Americans. By discussing issues openly with Rotarians and members of the community, I hope that I helped persuade them that Americans are not all fat, selfish, egotistical, rich people. One way I tried to do this was by keeping up to date on Australian news and learning the history. By doing so I could be well informed and have intelligent discussions on a variety of issues. Making  a Difference           As when I have been living at home in the U.S., while I was in Australia I tried to participate regularly in activities of goodwill on the volunteer level. To this end, I participated in activities through Rotary, the university, and community organizations. For example, I worked as a marker at a trivia night to raise money for ROMAC, a Rotary program to bring children from developing countries to Australia to receive needed operations. I also participated in environmental preservation activities in the area, such as Clean Up Australia day and a beach re-vegetation project. Finally, the largest project I worked on was through the Women’s Area at the university, where I helped organize and stage a benefit production, which raised approximately $9,000.00 for a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. This was likely the most incredible experience of my time in Australia, as I became close with many Australians through working on the project and it really felt great to achieve such a wonderful outcome through our teamwork. Rotary and the Ambassadorial Scholarship           When friends, family, or colleagues ask me what Rotary is, I am very excited to explain to them that it is an incredible international organization of hardworking, generous individuals. Furthermore, I explain to them, Rotary enables its members to find ways to use their vocation to serve others in their community, their country, and their world. One example I always like to use is Rotary’s amazing work on the polio eradication campaign.           When asked what exactly the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship is, I try to begin by explaining that Rotary has several scholarship programs. I then tell them that the Ambassadorial Scholarship is funded by Rotary International to promote peace and goodwill among nations. This is done by sending students as ambassadors from their home countries to live, study, and try to make a difference in another country. It helps change the attitudes people hold about citizens of other countries and breaks down stereotypes. Moreover, it is a fantastic networking mechanism for bringing together scholars from all over the world who have a vision for implementing Rotary’s ideals. Preparation and Materials           The Outbound Scholar Orientation I attended at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, was very helpful. I even met one girl there who became one of my best friends when we ended up living in the same college in Australia. It might be useful to have a realistic accounting of how much it will cost to get set up once in the host country, as we were shocked by the amount of money required. Additionally, we were informed that Australian Rotarians prefer that scholars live on campus. However, all of the Rotarians we encountered said they had no such preference, and we could have saved a substantial amount of money by living off campus. Offering Advice           I think the best advice for future scholars is to have an open mind and prepare to be unprepared. Nevertheless, do everything you can to learn about your host country’s culture, history, and government before departing. Keeping in touch with family and friends from home makes things go much more smoothly, and it is great to be able to share your experiences. Try foods, activities, and other things you would never have previously considered. Finally, do everything you can to get involved in your university community, as it really makes for a great experience. My Future with Rotary           I definitely plan on staying involved with Rotary in any capacity that is feasible. Since I have been home, I have visited several clubs, and I plan to visit two more before returning to Australia. Furthermore, I will address at least two classes at my alma mater, Arkansas State University, to tell them about Rotary programs and scholarships and hopefully encourage them to get involved. Finally, whenever I return from Australia, I hope to get involved with a Rotaract or Rotary club wherever I live.