By Madison Rohn, Lead Editor
Photos submitted by Sonia Halabi
Bearcat Sonia Halabi made the most of her summer by representing McKendree at two international conventions in Singapore and Montreal for Rotaract Club and sociology, respectfully.
Sonia Halabi is a senior majoring in sociology. She is also involved in many extracurricular activities, including Rotaract Club, which is part of the international service organization, Rotary International.
Sonia’s involvement in the Rotaract Club is what brought her to Singapore this summer. After being encouraged by her club’s advisors, Sonia decided to attend the Rotary International convention across the Pacific Ocean. She joined over 14,000 Rotarians in five days of sessions and breakout groups that gave insight into leadership skills and how to increase membership in a club.
The Rotary convention also allowed Sonia multiple opportunities to network and connect with others who devote themselves to “Service above self,” as the organization’s motto says. A central part of the convention was the House of Friendship, a place Sonia described as: “where members can meet other Rotary Clubs from all over the world to learn about their projects and to collaborate on future projects with them.”
These moments of connection were a highlight of the convention for Sonia. She even got to meet the Rotary International president! Reflecting on the convention, Sonia said, “It was amazing making everlasting connections with people from all over the world!”
She also had plenty of time to sightsee while in Singapore and learn more about the culture there. Sonia recalled seeing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and realizing that the convention center the conference was at was also where a scene from the movie Crazy Rich Asians was filmed!
Then, about three months later, Sonia made another trip, this time to Montreal for the annual American Sociological Association (ASA) convention. As a sociology major, ASA student member, and president of McKendree’s Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) sociology honor society, Sonia was excited to learn more about current sociological research and topics.
When asked about the ASA convention, Sonia said, “It was great attending many presentations and exhibitions about many topics in sociology. It really educated me more on sociology, and the convention was a great networking experience.”
Just like in Singapore, Sonia was able to meet and make connections with people with the same interests as her. She got to meet the AKD council and was recognized by some of the members since she presented virtually to them in April for the Undergraduate Research Virtual Symposium. Among the people she met at the conference were the editor of the journal Sociological Inquiry and the president of ASA.
While in Montreal, Sonia visited the historic part of the city, where she saw beautiful old buildings and practiced using her eight years of studying the French language.
After reflecting on her summer adventures, Sonia spoke about how her experience enriched her academic and personal life: “These two conferences improved my college experience by bringing back many valuable leadership skills and further knowledge and wisdom in Rotary International and sociology that I can apply to my Rotaract Club at McKendree and my sociology honor society chapter at McKendree (Alpha Kappa Delta). It was awesome representing McKendree University at these two conferences that benefited my learning and cultural experience. That will always stay with me, and [I] have great memories to reflect on for what I accomplished during my time at McKendree.”
Sonia advised other students to take the opportunity to travel and attend conferences if they have the chance. “I would definitely encourage other eligible students to attend similar conferences because it is an excellent experience to meet members in a group from many different places that create everlasting connections and friendships. These conferences open up people’s perspectives and cultural exposure, in addition to the education and leadership experience. These conferences are often a big highlight in people’s lives that benefit them in many ways for their education and careers.”
