An interview with Ms.Thristina Kanka
Friday, April 25, 2025
Hi Thristina! To get us started, could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?Hello! I am currently an International Rotary Peace Fellow in Brisbane, Australia. I am also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Comoros (East Africa) from 2017-2019. Afterward, I worked at the Peace Corps' headquarters in Washington D.C. for several years. Before obtaining the Rotary Peace Fellowship, I took immense pride in the people-to-people work in Comoros and in various other volunteer positions I held locally in the United States.
That is wonderful! Rotary and the Peace Corps have a long history of collaboration together. How did you come across the Rotary Peace Fellowship?
I heard about the Fellowship when I was a Peace Corps volunteer and it struck a nerve because I felt the education given was a great way for me to continue peace work after my volunteer service. Ultimately, I was selected in 2024 to be one of ten fellows from around the world to study at the University of Queensland for a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. It is a fully paid fellowship thanks to Rotary International, and I feel deeply honored to have been selected. I, without any doubt, would not have been able to have this opportunity if it wasn’t for the Rotary.
As Rotarians, we are always excited to hear how Rotary impacts our Fellows. How are you settling in to your new life in Brisbane?
Since arriving in mid-January, I have been settling in very well thanks to my Rotary Host Counselors, David and Anna. They have been the most hospitable hosts and have mentored me through my new life here in Brisbane. I have bonded with them and know I wouldn’t have been able to settle into life in a new country without them. Additionally, I have discovered a neighborhood dog to admire and encountered a koala, a wallaby, frogs, and various birds.
I have also attended a few local Rotary events. One of them was a morning tea with the faculty of the University of Queensland and Rotarians in the area. Each fellow introduced themselves and talked about why peace is important to them. I very intentionally prepared something to say but, of course, I forgot a large chunk of it as soon as the microphone was in my hands. I think I managed to get out my main points successfully talking about how my privilege isn't a given in the world and I see it as my job to bring equity to other communities.
Encountering a koala and a wallaby, sounds like fun! We are delighted to hear things are going well. Sounds like you are in great Rotarian hands at the other end of the world! And how is school?
I started my classes in late-February. I am taking three core courses and one elective course. The classes are diverse, offering a variety of experiences and perspectives that I believe are necessary as we tackle complex issues. Being around the other nine fellows is inspiring; they all bring unique experiences and have done incredible work in their communities.
I have a full class schedule trying to learn and seize everything I can while navigating the hot summer in Queensland. I am excited, and, to be fully transparent, a bit nervous with hints of imposter syndrome, but I am finding support in the other students, the faculty, family, friends, and my Rotary counselors. Aside from my courses, my next big hurdle is finding an applied fieldwork position for three months starting in November. The Applied Field Experience is part of the Rotary Peace Fellowship and gives the fellows the opportunity for practical experiences. We will see where this takes me!
That all sounds exciting and busy! It is an opportunity of a lifetime and although we just met you here at the Crystal City Pentagon Rotary Club, you can think of us as your “home club,” rooting for you here in the DC area and always ready to support in any way we can.
Thank you all for your support while I work on my Master’s degree here. This truly would not be possible without the Rotary! I'm grateful for the support from the Crystal City Pentagon Rotary Club.
We are so happy to be a part of your experience! Good luck with this exciting new chapter and we look forward to more updates and photos as your journey progresses.