Andrew, Jeff, Nicole
Elisa, Alex
Andrew Ferri
Sponsored by: Murrysville-Export Rotary Club
"How would you feel about going on a trip to Italy with Rotary's Group Study Exchange?" Confused, yet intrigued, would be the best way to describe my first reaction when I was introduced to the GSE by a local Rotarian. Who wouldn't love to go to Italy? As the program and its requirements were laid before me, I couldn't help but to become very excited and thankful to even be considered for this kind of opportunity. I've been told a trip abroad is a life-changing experience, not to mention the fact that my roots are Northern Italy. Overall, I feel the GSE experience in Italy will enhance my career in the foodservice industry and hopefully will bring long term changes to my life, past (seeing the land of my ancestors), present (observing the restaurant industry in Italy), and future (gaining insight about humanity through the lives and experiences of another culture).
Alex Kirby
Sponsored by: Johnstown Rotary Club
I am from tiny Loretto Pennsylvania which is named for Loretto Italy, so it is only appropriate that I go to Italy on my first trip away from the USA. I have attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Clarion University, getting my Masters Degree in Library Science at Clarion in 2008. I now work as a librarian at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Johnstown. I help students with research, add books to the library collection, help faculty with course technology questions and manage distance education technology at the college. I am hoping that visiting another country will broaden my perspective on the world in general and my profession in particular.
When I get to have fun I enjoy reading, running and going to the movies with anyone willing to see the crazy films that get my attention.
Elisa Mayes
Ciao! I am originally from Asheville, North Carolina, but now I call Connellsville, Pennsylvania home. My southern roots guided me to the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill where I received my B.S. in Environmental Science. I was fortunate to receive a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to study in the Netherlands in 2007-08, where I received my M.Sc. in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning from the University of Groningen. I am currently the Project Leader of the Trail Town Outreach Corps, a partnership project of the Student Conservation Association and the Trail Town Program. I lead a 5-person corps working to promote sustainable communities in six towns along the rail-trail: the Great Allegheny Passage. I am excited to be a part of the Rotary GSE Italy team and to continue to be part of the local to global community that Rotary encompasses. In Italy I look forward to studying agriculture and how rural communities can build an economy based upon its natural assets.
Nicole Sheranek
Co-Sponsored by: Brownsville-Uniontown Rotary Clubs
Salve! Born and raised in Southwestern Pennsylvania, I currently work in Higher Education with the past few years of employment primarily focusing in the area of Workforce and Economic Development; assisting companies with their hiring and training needs. I have an M.B.A. in Applied Business from Waynesburg University and a B.A. in Communication/Public Relations from California University of Pennsylvania. My passion for travel and sharing in new experiences has lead me to pursue this exciting GSE opportunity. My hope for Italy is to achieve both personal and professional growth, while building relationships, and gaining a broader perspective on life and work outside of the U.S.
Jeff Helsel, Team Leader
Sponsored by: California Rotary Club
Buon giorno! I am honored to serve as Rotary District 7330 team leader for this year's group study exchange with our partner District 2100, Italy. I was inspired to participate in GSE Italy for the memorable experiences we will share with our Italian hosts and the special friendships we make through Rotary International. Also, I love Italian food!
I am a director of video and publications at California University of Pennsylvania, USA. Most afternoons, you will find me bicycling on the scenic trails of western Pennsylvania.
I am past-president of the Rotary Club of California, Pennsylvania and served on the district group study exchange committees with our partner districts in Turkey, France, and Argentina. Prior to joining Rotary, I was a member of the GSE Team which traveled to southern India in 1993 and received a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship in 1994 to pursue a master's degree in journalism at Bond University, Australia.
Rotary International GSE Team 2010, D-7330, Southwestern Pennsylvania from Jeff Helsel on Vimeo.
