More Than Acknowledgements

The biggest illusion in life is thinking you're responsible for its marvel and mystery. When life gets interesting, it's easy to claim. Beating your chest in victory makes a lot of noise because the breast you strike is hollow.

^I don't want that. So before I go to Norway, let me summarize the contributions of the people who made this trip possible. I don't intend to seem noble or humble. It's just what's true and fair.

Courtesy Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary Club
Snellville, GA

Rotary has given everything. The Georgia Rotary Student Program drives scholarship, logistics, and hospitality to Norway and back, and Gwinnett Sunrise has shown nothing but good will and support in its recommendation of my participation in this program. If you're unfamiliar with what exactly Rotary does, I posted the Rotary Four-Way Test to give a glimpse. Let me reemphasize the exemplary, servant leadership of the Rotarians at Gwinnett Sunrise and the GSRP in realizing a vision of empathy, peace, and friendship in all communities.

All these attitudes are incarnate in my mom, Angela Wirt. You've sacrificed two sets of Mother's Day, birthday, and anniversary as I've been studying abroad. You always put others before yourself, and "every atom belonging to me, as good belongs to you." All that I am, I am yours. I cherish you, and I am so grateful you encouraged me to apply to this program.

There are countless others whose support I feel and who I will soon meet. These two, right now, deserve the highest praise.