News from Brooke Taunton

It has been a little over a year since I sat at the conference table in Hot Springs, my heart pounding in my chest.  Only now, is it beginning to feel real to me.  For months I have been saying, “I’m going to graduate school in New Zealand on a Rotary Ambassador Scholarship” just as I would say “I’m going to visit friends in Little Rock this weekend.”  Even after attending the outbound scholar training in Kansas City and meeting so many wonderful people, February seemed so far away.  Now, February seems to be rapidly approaching. 

I graduated from Ouachita in May and the summer has flown by so quickly.  It’s August and finally time for me to send my application to the University of Canterbury.  It all arrived in one piece and I have been accepted into the Diplomacy and International Relations program.  I was also able to apply for housing and am currently awaiting notification.  In October, I will be able to enroll in classes.  And soon I will be able to make arrangements for my visa and air travel.  While I am waiting, I have been doing a lot of research and have been in contact with my host counselor Beth and the Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise District #9970.  I’ve been spending a lot of time building up my New Zealand folder with information on politics, government systems, traditions and Maori culture.  I’ve also been learning the rules for rugby!

Currently, I am at home in El Dorado and working on my post baccalaureate in Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  I continue to work at Camp Aldersgate as often as I am able on the weekends as well.  Since school has started back, I am also doing some substitute teaching.