My Journey with Rotary

Guest Speaker Veja Olbertova spoke to the Club Monday 14 January on the influence Rotary has had on her life from Slovakia to USA, Scotland and now NI.

She revealed that her first exposure to Rotary International was when, aged 16, she undertook a 1 year Rotary Youth Exchange through the Rotary Club of Chico Sunrise, California. She couldn’t speak English when she arrived but stayed with 3 different families, went to school, learnt about the country and had a life-changing experience. Veja revealed that this experience changed her world perspective and opened doors for her. Whilst at Aberdeen University, she joined 'First Aiders' supporting their work to save lives and, sponsored by the Californian Rotary Club San Ramon, travelled to Tanzania with them to train volunteers from local populations in First Aid. She also joined Rotaract there and subsequently became a member of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen. Veja is now in Belfast studying for a Masters at QUB and the Rotary Club of Belfast are delighted to welcome her as a member.