Hello, I am Haruka Tanaka from Niigata in western Japan. You may have seen my hometown on the news recently as we were impacted by the recent earthquake at Ishikawa which is close. Fortunately my family are all OK.I arrived in Melbourne on Monday 12 July after a long trip from Tokyo with a 6 hours stopover in Singapore. I was greeted by Mrs Lesley McCarthy from the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington who are my host club in Melbourne. She took me to lunch, gave me a welcome pack and arranged for me to stay with a Rotarian family that night.
The Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington have been so supportive of me. They made me very welcome, helped me with food, transport and including me in so many events.
I was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Niigata and was fortunate to receive a scholarship from Rotary International to cover my tuition and living expenses.
I am studying for a master’s degree in developmental studies at the University of Melbourne, having gained a Bachelor of Education from Niigata University. I chose development studies as I am keen to work with children in developing countries, especially to help girls continue their education.
I did find the course very difficult to begin with. My English is good, but everyone speaks so fast and with the new vocabulary of this study, I had to work extra hard to understand. I also found it difficult as the course is very different to my previous university studies. I have however achieved good grades this semester and am looking forward to this year.
Since I arrived, I have attended club meetings and 3 official Rotary events where I met some of the senior district leaders. I have worked in the op Shop and talked with the volunteers.
I also attended the week-long Rotary youth leadership program and met other visiting scholars.
Lesley took me to tree planting day with council where I met an indigenous elder and took part in the smoking ceremony. I also ate my first Rotary sausage!! This was an amazing day as I had not planted trees before or seen an indigenous ceremony. I have helped at a Rotary BBQs and have visited the Djerring community centre and Mount Alexander College.
I also attended the week-long Rotary youth leadership program and met other visiting scholars.
Lesley took me to tree planting day with council where I met an indigenous elder and took part in the smoking ceremony. I also ate my first Rotary sausage!! This was an amazing day as I had not planted trees before or seen an indigenous ceremony. I have helped at a Rotary BBQs and have visited the Djerring community centre and Mount Alexander College.
I have been on trips with Shraddha, Chris, Jo, Peter and Bev, Drew, Lesley and Alex.
I have been to several Rotary club meetings at other clubs, attended Paul Harris lunches, dinners and breakfasts and met many other scholars.