The Rotary Club welcomed new member Shalla Shaharyar to the podium to give her Classification Talk. Shalla was introduced by Mike Christie.
Shalla began her talk by expressing her appreciation for the warm welcome extended to her by the members of the club, right from the first time she was present as a guest. She was born in Islamabad, Pakistan and spent eight years and completed high school in Washington, DC where her father worked in the foreign office.
When she returned to Pakistan, she studied for a Masters in International Relations, then worked for the British Council and married Shaharyar, who is a chemical engineer. The couple spent time in Copenhagen, Denmark where Shaharyar continued his studies. The couple emigrated to Canada 18 years ago, first settling in Brandon, Manitoba and then moving west to Medicine Hat. The couple have two sons, one studying at Queens University and the other at Medicine Hat High School.
Shalla works at the MH College, as the English as a Second Language Administrator, as well as doing diversity training.
Shalla described some of the positives and negatives of their immigration experience, primarily being so far from family. Shalla joined Rotary to enable further involvement in the community, locally and internationally and because the Rotary Motto of "Service above Self" resonates with her. The club welcomes her and thanks her for a great presentation.