When a young Fulbright Scholar Solana Ledesma with a nine-year history of Rotaract and Interact involvement needed a place to stay before moving into student housing at the U of M, she naturally called on Minneapolis Rotarians for help. Our member Jim Nelson and Jean Westberg of the University Rotary Club offered to host in one day. Jean and husband John hosted Solana for the first week and Jim and wife Ellen (also a Rotarian) for the second week. Solana is from Tucumán Argentina and learned that Daiana Gabriela Machado, also from Argentina, and in the same master’s program at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, needed a place to stay for a week. Jim and Ellen welcomed her to their home too.
Jim, Ellen, Jean, and John made sure the young women experienced Minnesota with a cabin trip up north, the State Fair, tours of the city including the Sculpture Garden, and searching for furnishings for their apartment near campus. One evening Jim went to his meeting of the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission, of which he is a commissioner. When Solana and Daiana found that out, both of them -- being political science graduates -- were excited to go with him and watch the meeting, which they did. Jim and Ellen helped them move on Labor Day and all plan to stay in contact.
This highlights the deep, global connections that Rotary fosters. Rotary isn't just about service projects or meetings; it's a worldwide network of individuals committed to helping others and building communities. This act of generosity demonstrates how Rotary transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens bonds across cultures and generations. It is a perfect example of how Rotary truly "Connects the World."
