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Rotary Magazine for District 1210

The reason I decided to join Rugeley Rotary was
because the people of the Club make me feel at home
and give me a sense of belonging in this country.
Original from China, as an overseas student. I came to
Birmingham for my MBA study in 2016. It was the first
time I had left my hometown and travelled such a long
distance. Although I met some good friends at the
university, most of them returned to their home
countries after graduation.
In 2017, I received an offer of a job located near
Rugeley, Staffordshire. Since then, I have moved and
settled down in the town. Apart from my colleagues, I
hardly knew anyone else in the local community, until
2020 when I was introduced by Anita from Uttoxeter
Rotary to members of Rugeley Rotary.
The first member I met in Rugeley Rotary was John,
who showed understanding about my challenges living
in a foreign country. At that time, I was preparing to
renew my Working Visa as well as applying to take a second master’s degree at Cambridge University
- life at that time was full of uncertainties. Rather than simply convincing me to join Rotary, John
and Anita were helping me adapt to the local community and provided me with a great deal of
helpful advice. I was also invited to join the meetings of Rugeley Rotary as a guest, where I found
everyone to be so friendly and who treated me as a family member. I was touched by their kindness
and saw the spirit of Rotary.
Eventually in 2022, everything was more settled - I had received my renewed visa and a university
offer. I then joined Rugeley Rotary without hesitation. As the first ‘hybrid-member’ in our Club, I’m
able to attend the meetings from Cambridge remotely. I enjoy the atmosphere of our Club. Though
we are a relatively small group compared to other clubs, we discuss and perform everything as a
harmonious family. In addition, by participating in activities and volunteering work organised by
other Rotary Clubs, I have broadened my network and horizons in the UK.

Inspired by my experience, I believe there is an opportunity to use a similar approach and encourage
more international graduates to get involved in Rotary?

the

SPRING 2023 ROTO 7