Giulia Malerbi
GRSP 2014-2015
So here’s what happened with me since I left Georgia in June 2015! First, it is important to highlight that my GRSP year helped me to grow incredibly on a personal point of view, in terms of determination and being committed. In fact, when I came back home to Pisa, Italy, I managed to graduate ahead of time, completing my Bachelors Degree in Animal Sciences in only 6 months.
I then decided to take some time off to volunteer across Europe, to explore new cultures and probably discover myself more. After few months of travelling I decided to found my own no-profit association, the “Batpackers Association”, with the aim of encouraging youngsters to travel and embrace new adventures. My Association has also been approved by the European Union, from which we receive financial support. That year I travelled to 13 different countries, took part in a large variety of volunteering projects and had the chance to spread the Rotary values wherever I went.
In 2017 I came back to the USA for the International Rotary Conference and the GRSP Alumni reunion, which was an amazing event I’ll never forget! Wanting to keep up my travelling rhythm, after leaving Atlanta I took a flight to Montana and started crossing all the states down to Arizona, visiting the natural parks along the way (from Glacier park to the Grand Canyon). One of the highlights of this adventure, was that I ended up being hosted by the local families of the Rotary clubs of the States I was crossing - Rotarians’ hospitality will never stop to amaze me!
When I came back home, I felt ready to pursue my animals studies further, therefore I applied to a Master in Glasgow, Scotland, and I won a scholarship which allowed me to study and live there for the following year. I completed my Masters Degree in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law with Merit this past November 2018.
Unfortunately, negative events happen in life as well: I was involved in an accident and I had to go through knee surgery few days after getting my Degree. Nevertheless, I have always been a positive person and I have always believed that life has a lot of wonderful things planned for the future! In fact, I have recently been offered a job that will take me to Sardina, Italy, to work in a Natural Reserve. As I’m recovering well, I’m getting ready to start this new adventure with all the passion, positivity and eagerness to learn that accompanied me throughout these past years since I left Georgia.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every Rotarian that puts their time and effort towards the GRSP program. I was inspired and motivated by all the people I had the chance to meet during my permanence in Georgia and I can assure you I would not have become the person I am today without this incredible experience.
I hope all is well with you and the club!