My GSE experience in Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Hi  friends!!!  Just thought to share my  GSE experience  in Wisconsin ,U.S.A. with all  of you :-) .....

Myself Sunita an educator from Aurangabad , Maharashtra, sincerely thankful to Rotary Foundation’s unique GSE for having an experience of  an unforgettable journey that would remind me not only the meaningful memories of dist.6250 but also the opportunity offered by Dist 3132 and Rotary club of Aurangabad Midtown, was rainbow for me to play the role of an ambassador of goodwill and friendship while bridging continents…It was a meaningful exchange of professional, cultural,  historical, political, and economic perspective of paired districts and counties. It really offered us  the privilege and series of opportunities to determine our goals and it was our individual responsibility to contribute. I tried to learn everything what I could, from any one I can and anytime  I  felt ..  just to have a feeling to catch the good that was within my reach…I think this is the great art  of life and it is still  in myself alone…no words to express!!!!!!  

  I have always been a creative person with crazy imaginations and obsessed with the idea doing something different that may improve the quality of my own life. Investing  my  dreams  in untended garden  I thought of  nurturing the growth and expansion of my ideas about future in the field of professional development. GSE was the best guide to fulfill my dreams which unfolded in ways I did not even imagine!  It   taught  me to hold my intention with an open heart  to realize that there is a new energy that allows us to manifest things and we can reach a changing point a so called fork in the road. It also made me to feel that the world needs passion and enthusiasm …the building block of all creation.

During my vocational tours my feeling  about the  Wisconsin’s  Nature, places, schools, colleges, Universities..

 

 

 

 GSE  had given opportunity to visit the state of Wisconsin which is surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature.. We could see stunning rivers like Wisconsin river, La Crosse river, Chippewa river, Mississippi river, Lakes like Manona, lake Geneva at Janesville,  Island at La crosse and wide expanses  of wooded land wet lands and prairies and also some Parks like Mississipi riverside International Friendship Exchange Garden at La Crosse, Rotary garden at Janesvilley , several man made dams and lakes. Perhaps it is the proximity and easy access to these natural and manmade resources   that anchors  the community in calm and roots them in a more relaxed pace of living.

 


Cave of Mounds  another wonderful creation...having  the same temperature whole the year that’s 50 degrees FJ. It is difficult to imagine the time it took for the large caverns to be dissolved within the rock that itself believed to be over 400 million years old!  The contrast between the chemical and mechanical process of cave formation was one of the geologic lessons illustrated on the Cave Tour.

While staying  at different places (Wisconsin Rapids, Chippewa falls, eau claire, La crosse, Janesville, Mount Horeb and Madison)  I found that Wisconsinites  enjoy the  quality of life that result from a shared passion that make their  town a better place to live. They are incredibly fortunate to have strong, progressive local business that supports their communities and creates  positive employment opportunities while increasing their quality of life with their valuable products and services. It is endowed with communities who values and supports the arts. One can witness the future of the arts at a local High school drama or musical performance. The best part is there is always something to do. From dining out, enjoying nature, sporting events, community  organizations and more n more …

During the visit I have seen the finest schools( Lincoln High School, Lincoln Middle School, Northwood International School, Longfellow Middle High School, Waunakee High School, AWSA, Mount Horeb Middle School) in the state of Wisconsin. Public and private schools are fortunate  to have excellent educational and recreational facilities. They offer a vast number of opportunities to prepare them for colleges and various trades. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies, including cooperative learning and direct lessons to meet the needs of the students. While visiting classrooms and observing surroundings I found the Artwork and decorations, both in the hallways and in the classrooms that value and affirm the culture, language, and background of the students. The schools make an effort to communicate with parents through their home language and encourage them of all ethnic and cultural groups to participate in the schools. Even I visited one of the charter school at Janesville which is  open to all students and plays a vital role in school reform by demonstrating a record of student achievement. This school is  operated by exiting array of non-profit groups.

At Lincoln Middle School at Eau Claire, WI

At Lincoln Middle School at Eau Claire, WI

   

At Lincoln High School,

At Mount Horeb Middle School,Mount Horeb, WI

At Mount Horeb Middle School,Mount Horeb, WI

At Mount Horeb Middle School,Mount Horeb, WI

At WaunakeeHigh School , Madison, WI

 

 At Longfellow Middle High Schol, La Cross, WI

Visit  to AWSA  Association of Wisconsin School Administrators , WI

   While visiting the Technical colleges  ( Mid State Technical College, Chippewaa Technical college, Blackhawk Technical College)  I felt that these colleges serves its communities by providing lifelong learning opportunities which enhance the personal and economic well-being of individuals and business. It also provides technical training to people in fields like robotics, wielding, maintenance of machines, police force, etc In short they are the educational providers of first choice for its communities believing in transforming lives through the power of teaching and learning. The professors are quite knowledgeable and the economic  program is rigorous, yet attainable.

 

While visiting the Universities   ( University of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin  University of Eau Claire, Vitebro University, Madison University) I  had been to colleges ..colleges of Business, college of art and science, College of education and Human science, College of Nursing and Health sciences. There  I  found,  these universities are  mostly  public liberal art universities, fulfill their mission through a pervasive university commitment to provide intentional and experimental undergraduate liberal education for life and strong, distinctive, graduate programs that build on and strengthen its  proud tradition of  liberal education and also they challenge student to develop their intellectual, personal, cultural and social competencies.

Most important thing was almost all the places where I visited  are the home to some of the most dedicated, hardworking, truly involved teachers, Lecturers,  and administrators that a community could hope to possess. They genuinely care for children and their future who are willing to go the extra mile to help kids succeed.

I had the opportunity to interact with few students with different behavior, attitudes,personalities but deeply alike from the point of view of curiosity and ingenuity. While giving presentation at Lincolns and Mount  Horeb  School  I was impressed with all those eyes staring at me /us questioningly  and want to know more and more about our country . I really appreciate their fair spirit, energy and involvement.

 Historical places and Hospitals

We were taken to the historical places ( Hixon’s House, and Lincoln’s House) museums ( Chippewa valley Museum, Madison Children Museum)  and there were two important things I learned from ------The University of human science across the ages and the endless innovations of the human mind. These museums had a long history ...of teaching and learning, of enriching the life of local community with objects that spur our curiosity and engage  our  empathy.  I can say through the ages  art has been used to express the emotions and yearnings. It made me to observe the multitude of culture and artifacts produced by humanity.

                                   

We were taken to different hospitals ( Virtual Medical Centre, Sacred Heart Hospital,  Dove Health care Centre, Franciscan Skemp Hospital,Mercy Hospital etc), and dental clinic centre, where We found that Wisconsin hospitals were high users of Health Information Technology. Because of the improvements HIT makes in the quality, safety and efficiency of patient care. Almost all the Wisconsin hospitals have fully implemented key patient care systems including a lab information system, computerized radiography,  a radiology information system and a pharmacy system and the most amazing Robots used in laproscopic surgery namely the Da Vinci.  In addition  Hospitals support a master person index. The master person index is considered the cornerstone of many health information system integration projects. Hospitals have either fully or partially implemented a bedside medication verification system to ensure that the right medications are administered to the right patient.

Factories, Farms and Vineries…

We had been to New Page paper mill, Cheese factory, Cranberry Farm, Dave Arndt’s cattle and mint  farm, River Bend Vineyard-Winery  and found  the people at work are passionate about making and manufacturing the highest quality affordable with the help of  latest technology.

Banks and Insurance companies…had the courage to renew itself by challenging old assumptions and process and committed to true innovations.

At New Page Paper Factory,   wisconsin Rapids

At New Page Paper Factory,   wisconsin Rapids

Riverbend Winery at Chippewa Falls

Community centers , Spiritual Centers  and Churches..

We visited some community centers and I liked the most was ODC at Wisconsin Rapids which aims at enriching the lives of people with disabilities or  other barriers to employment by   developing meaningful work opportunities. There I have learned---- with disability there is ability!  I found they are the nicest, bravest, talented and the most preserving people I have ever seen. They make use of whatever they have to the best of their ability! They had a will and determination that put a lot of us to shame.

We also were taken to Franciscan Spiritual centers, Shrine of our lady of Guadalupe, and different local Churches where I personally felt  without having an awareness of who we are as spiritual beings the journey towards self cannot occur. I have to pursue my quest for understanding universal truth in afford to perfect my gifts for the aid of others…Here I would like to thank Mrs. Joey Tom Marshall to take me the local church where I could sing a psalm which I had written and composed..Without her support and goodwill I could never be able to hand over the portrait of Lord Jesus sketched by my daughter Pooja.

During the visit to different sites what is truly inspirational  and incredibly exciting about the future of Wisconsin is  the promise  of those that work every day, dreaming and creating ideas that will transform their cities and perhaps their world in the years to coe. Alternative fuels, alternative energy,  cutting edge internet technologies and hundreds of other small ideas with huge potential represent the future of Wisconsin.

 

The district conference of 6250…

I had wonderful experience at Marriot, Madison during The 6250 district conference. Many speakers shared their experiences and inspired many of us. We heard to an astronaught  Sandy Magnus who shared her story of space travel, Jim Elliott showed the life challenging experience of scuba diving for injured veterans and disabilities, Janice Nicholes was one who choose her carrier as a rehabilitarian  counselor because she lost her twin brother who suffered from polio, Hannah Warren who discovered her life’s purpose by providing economic justice for women weavers .There were two inspiring speech which must have motivated many persons were of RI President Ray  Klinginsmith and R I V P Tom Torfinnson.

The highlight of the conference was the Highest Award “ The Service Above Self’’award presented by Rotary International  President Ray Klinginsmith  to Tom Marshall  for his active involvement in helping others through Rotary. conference was keynoted by  R I President Ray Klinginsmith  and  R I V P Tom Torfinnson. We  enjoyed the cultural fair hosted by IYE . Saturday afternoon we enjoyed ‘Derby Day’reception. We enjoyed Jazz live band by Mitch Biba and his troupe River Cities.

                                   
Our Presentation and Introductions at dist 6250 conference and in other Rotary clubs ..

GSE gave opportunity to meet with new people within the world of humanity to test our skills in creativity and presentations.

It was so excitement about our trip to Wisconsin. We had our numerous presentations (14-15)  at different vocational sites…but I cannot forget our first successful presentation at Madison. The presentation was followed by an Indian Bollywood fusion dance concluded with standing applause by the audience. It was Tom’s wish to see me dancing Indian dance on the stage made me happy to work out within 2 hours…even I enjoyed the presentation given at Long fellow Middle High School at La crosse. Mrs. Sondra  Roger had a great idea to distribute Indian  sesame sweet chikkies .

 





Amazing Rotarians!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Each are eager to learn about the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. They welcome opportunities…

 Hey I was trying to wash my hands in the powerful river of Rotary where self sacrificing individual and collective waves were touching my heartJ with had no local and national boundaries to serve the mankind !

I really respect each Rotarian for their commitment, passion, and support to serve the communities through different projects whether to eradicate polio or to help disables or handling   water, sanitary projects….they are the part of many clubs and many activities. I was proud to see the dedicated services.

Great Hosts!!!!!!!!

I was honored   to be the recipient of the over whelming hospitality   of my great hosts who were wings with hello… They were  Rtn Tom and Joey Marshall, Rtn Nichole and her family , Rtn.  Mitch Biba, Rtn Mrs and Mr  Mark Morce, Rtn Donnie  Magadance,  Rtn. Roger and Sondra Le grand, Rtn.  Dan Drozdowicz’s Family, Rtn. Heidi Kopras and Rtn. Dr. Ken Yuska.  Always they saw that I should be comfortable and always feel welcome. Warm, caring, gracious made me that I am the most wonderful person in the world.  They made my room a place to relax. Almost at every place they were ready to pick me. Majority of their program activities for vocational ultimately lead to progress in health and hygiene, education, technology, employment generation, self reliance. They are with commitments and zeal of voluntary action.

 …oh I just cannot describe how thankful I feel to be placed in such a wonderful host families and in such a good community. They were always very supportive, so energetic….hmmmmm….all about their  intelligence,  generosity, faithfulness, funny and enthusiastic spirit that  encouraged me to do my best in all kind of activities. We watched and  played golf, pool, soft ball, base ball. Had fishing, canoeing, camping, riding, sailing …wow great days !!!

I must appreciate about asking us for special diets. Always they had something to eat /drink even we  were getting  together for few minutes!!  We had delicious fabulous breakfast with fresh veggies and fruits along with bread/egg etc..delicious lunch of grilled wallai, salmon and fresh organic salads….dinners were followed with ice-cream and deserts. We enjoyed cooking and serving  Indian food tooJJ  

All of them are friends for ever…we may not able to see each other or listen to each other but thought of them will fill my heart with fond memories of the time we have spent together.

My wish for them is nothing but they should get comfort on difficult days, Smile when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, faith and confidence when they are in doubt,  courage to know about themselves, patience to accept the reality..

The wonderful women I met….

I had the opportunities of meeting few dashing personalities like Kristin Duckart,  Rtn. Joy Berg, Rtn.Sondra Le Grands, Peggy Zalucha, Shawn Bolling, Jessica Havens..These are the women who faces things with courage, treading life’s path, lived with always loving, helping and guiding. Standing beside filled with trust, somewhere  ‘She’ in them made me to teach how to win in almost all the fields!!!!!!!!!

Jessica reminds me an onion….seemingly translucent to tantalize my imagination. Only to unfold  the layer  upon layer feeling off to reveal yet another layer …my dear friend you have all the qualities that make u different  than any person. Great non  Rotarian always with us during our stay in Wisconsin!!!!!!! Appreciable…..

Jennie ..She is an apple of Ken’s eye.  How  wonderful wife she is ! So nice , so sweet, so kind .She is the true gift from heaven who make Ken to admire her each day for the person she is. Very good cook she is!

And and and ….my dearest Joey thanks for being my good friend forever…whether to need advice or need a shoulder to cry on you listened with heart. You filled my life with Joy n grace. You are more than special!!

       

Spent each day on a different wander Despite vocational visits we explored and experienced the site and the sound of nature beside the rivers of Wisconsin for camping, canoeing, cooking and fishing just to appreciate the opportunity to ‘get away from every thing’J Thanks  Rtn.Dan, Rtn. Rob Stroud, Rtn Ken, Rtn. Scott, Jess and Mike for your sportive spirit…Hey Rob still you can have faith next time I will learn how to bow!  Had chance to swim, to play golf, baseball, pool, bowling balls, Thanks Rtn Mitch Biba, Rtn. Mary and Jim Warren, Rtn. Shawn, Rtn. Peggey and Tonnie, Rtn. Michell Curusoe and Rtn. Kristina..greatly enjoyed. Had a chance to enjoy a diverse variety of attractions, homemade culinary delights, fun and exciting events. Had chance to see  many unique retail and specialty shops  offering an array of products from cheese to wine, jewelry to shoes, antiques or collectibles, and just about anything in between. Thanks Rtn.Brian, Rtn Donnie, Rtn.Shawn, Rtn. Sondra,  Rtn.Ken, Rtn.Dan, Rtn. Michelle, Rtn. Karien and Rtn. Tana.

  

Sweet memories of Chicago and Naigara…

We started our journey from Janesville to Chicago with  Rtn. Mari Anne and Mr.Jim. Weather was cool…. enjoyed! It was wonderful to see the architecture and unique neighborhoods rich in distinctive cultural heritage. We saw Millennium park a marvelous, lively spectacular unparalleled architecture. It’s a worthy creation for all time. It was just amazing to walk under the Bean. Cloud gate is something I marveled at more the sheer point of ingenuity. This is also known as the Crown. There are two towers of glass bricks facing each other and behind the glass bricks are a large video screen showing the faces of everyday Chicagoans. I was wondering how one can get their face recorded for this!!!! It is just mesmerizing looking at the faces which blinks..so human and when you wait for few minutes the people on the screen purse the lips and water comes spouts from the open mouth…Then we had been to Navy Pier, home to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. It has two performance stages. After had a round trip we visited Water tower and rushed to catch train at Northwestern Ogilvie station in downtown Chicago.

I should say hearty thanks to Dr. Anand and his relatives who are the owner of  Attican Motel , Attica.  Just because of their presence we could see the world famous Niagara. We went from Detroit to Buffalo by grey hound and stayed at Attican. The environment was very peace and calm. They extended themselves and their hospitality to the fullest. I have a great regard towards his family and hope to meet them when they will come to India.

In the state park we   walked the edge of the river as it flows towards the drop and took snaps as the water crashing over the rocks. Crossed bridges by foot to view the rapids as the water rushing toward the falls. We had a great ride on the elevator down the observation tower and felt the mist of the falls on our faces. At night when the falls were illuminated with colored lights…aah so nice to see.No words..One should just go and visit.

                                           

 Listened and learned by playing…..by doing…

Each note have name but  still  they are not same! Thank You Mitch and Thank you Ken to teach me and made me learn the Piano. Amazing !! your fingers were trained, You made me think and think to imagine amazing things,  made to listen to crazy sounds ...You taught me to know that one can express through music  that can bring great joy to others. Thank  again Ken for the wonderful evening we had together while you were singing for your lovely wife. I really moved!

Thanks to Dr. Shivshankar Our Team leader to make me and others to learn about the Photography and Videography. Without his continuous efforts I may not become so good in this.  Thank you for showing the slides of my daughters sketches presented to R I President.  Thanks again to help us whenever we had trouble.

 

We four….

As team members we got a chance to know each other, to get used to work together, the chance to unite our ideas, the chance to show our capabilities. Many of ideas reflected some of the tendencies too….All of them are doctors..Dr. Anand Karva an arthroscopist and Joint Replacement specialist, Dr.Pankaj wanjarkhedkar an Ayurvedic Physician, and Dr. Fahim a Surgical Oncologist ….extremely talented who were willing to involve in solving every challenges..Anand seemed to be lovely decent man with deep knowledge and  progressive tendencies. Fahim   ..all I can remember is  all of us were together…  The flavor of your  humor added a tinge of spice and strength behind the bond of our friendship. Your words must be keeping the disease away from the patient..I can guess why you are so famous.  Pankaj  curious, obedient and keen observer  and ready to learn something new every day to enrich himself. Thanks to  all to give such wonderful company.


 

Thanks GSE !!!!!

One can close the eyes and ears  to the things which does not like to see or hear but one just  cannot close the heart to the things does not want to feel..Thanks GSE. Bundle of Thanks…. My  special hearty thanks to our DG. Shirish Rayate, Our GSE chair Rtn. Yogendra Jahagirdar, GSE chair RI 6250 Rtn. Tom Marshall, My host club President Rtn. Rameshwar Pawar, Rtn. Rohini Kachole and our team leader Dr. Shivshankar for this wonderful life time experience.

I specially express my hearty thanks to Rtn. Dr. Metan of Solapur  who was the Team leader of last year GSE who really inspired me a lot . He made me to realize there is a fuel in you which needs to be ignited with spark. For my part I knew nothing but the sight of the star made me to dream just because of him. Thank you sir ! Thanks GSE!!!!!!!!!!