FROM THE MAIL BAG:
Letter from Centennial Scholarship Winner

Dear Captain Jim and the Saint Paul Rotary Club,

Thank you so very much for the scholarship from your generosity and the generosity of the Saint Paul Rotary Club.  This Saturday I will be flying out west to my dream college, Stanford University – which is no longer a dream, but an exciting realty.  On Tuesday I will begin New Student Orientation and finally begin classes on September 24.  There is much anticipation, for at Stanford it is tradition to meet your roommate on the first day of move in instead of a couple of weeks beforehand.  I also will have to wait to choose classes one week before classes start during orientation.  So, all in all, I don’t know all of the logistical aspects yet, but I do know that Stanford will be quite an adventure.

While at Stanford I’m planning on pursuing my passions.  What I want to do is make the world a better place.  I want to make the education system for K-12 more fair and equal so that every student has the same opportunity as I did to go to college.  I want to make education accessible to children in developing countries by building schools in communities that lack the basic human right to a primary education.  I want to help and empower other girls to keep pursuing their education and become strong leaders in their communities.  I don’t know if there is a degree or job title for all of this, but these goals are a couple of passions that I will keep in mind in the next four years.  When classes get tough and I have an exhausting workload, I will be reminded that it will all be for a bigger and better cause.

You and the Rotary club are such a big part to my journey.  With your help and generosity, I am able to pursue a degree and build a strong foundation to help others.  I cannot express my gratitude enough.  I will keep you and the Rotary Club updated by writing more letters and sending pictures.  Thank you Captain Jim, and thank you Saint Paul Rotary Club. 

Best, 

Pajnucci Vue

Editor’s note:  Pajnucci is the recipient of our second $20,000 Centennial Scholarship.