Allison Furniss

 

Allison, our Global Scholar, proved once again that modern travel and getting things done is not for the older generation. What she managed to achieve in one month when I was her age beggars description. 

She was unable to organise a new visa for further study at UCT from South Africa. Also, she had no idea if The Rotary Foundation would extend her scholarship for a further two years in order for her to complete her Masters at UCT. To add to the pressure UCT had not yet accepted her into the course until a very brief time before she launched into her determined bid to continue her studies here. Talk about multi-tasking!! She left South Africa in early January clutching her acceptance to the Masters degree course from UCT. In 30-hours flying she landed in Alaska in temperatures hovering around minus 40 degrees. In the weeks that followed she garnered support from her sponsoring Rotary club, got the Foundation cutting corners to expedite her request for further funding, camped out at the SA Consulate and made them jump until they produced her visa. She was back on SA shores on the 7th February and was registering at UCT on the 8th. WOW!! An epic effort that she seemed to take in her stride. Keep an eye on this girl; she is very special. Great things await her and it is comforting to know that Rotary played a part in her life.