By Gaetano Scamarcio, 1994-95 Ambassadorial Scholar sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bari, Italy, and District 2120
About 30 years ago, I discovered Rotary’s programs for aiding young people in achieving their dreams, which struck me profoundly. At the time, I aspired to access the world-renowned Bell Laboratories of AT&T in Murray Hill, New Jersey – a hub of groundbreaking research where numerous Nobel laureates had left their mark. My mentor at Bell Labs suggested applying for a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, and to my amazement, I was successful.
The working atmosphere at Bell Labs was fantastic, but also highly competitive. There was a lot of willingness among colleagues and superiors to engage in constructive discussions. Yet, the end of my internship was inexorably approaching, and I needed a winning idea to stand out. One evening, while I was alone in the lab, after many repeated attempts, I saw the signal from the measurement instruments skyrocket off the scale. Initially, due to fatigue, I thought it was another interference. But then I realized that (BINGO!) my superlattice quantum cascade microlaser, which I had designed and longed for many times, was finally working! It was an indescribable joy and a milestone in my professional career.
Receiving a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship was akin to a soccer player being called up to the national team, opening a world of possibilities for me and my family. Upon returning to Italy, my academic journey soared, and I delved deeply into research and work. Ten years later, I was invited to join the Rotary Club of Bari (District 2120) in Puglia and Basilicata – the same club and district that sponsored my fellowship. The warm reception from fellow Rotarians and swift integration into the club’s initiatives affirmed my decision to become involved.
Serving as club president in 2013-14 was a unique experience that allowed me to harness all my energies and collaborate with fellow members and friends to initiate impactful service and friendship projects. Throughout this journey, I connected with several exceptional individuals within Rotary and other volunteer associations, public institutions, and independent initiatives. In these collaborative efforts inspired by Rotary, there was always a palpable sense of unity and shared purpose.
One of our significant initiatives was “Rotary Meets the Road,” aiming to reduce food waste and help hundreds of homeless people in the metropolitan area of Bari. The inception of this project required extensive deliberations and consultations and involved multiple stakeholders. Initially conceived as an equipped container, the project evolved. We ended up donating a fully equipped camper to the volunteers of local associations. This mobile unit ensured that services could be offered more efficiently and hygienically including the daily distribution of food, essential medical services, and legal advice.
A notable aspect of this endeavor was the collaborative effort involving all five Rotary clubs in the Bari area, District 2120, the Municipality of Bari, and the local public transportation company. The success of this service underscores the power of synergy and collective action in addressing pressing social issues and making a meaningful difference in the community. Engagement with Rotary fosters positive transformations not only for our neighbors, but also for ourselves.
The five core values of Rotary – integrity, diversity, friendship, service, and leadership – form an interconnected framework. Within the context of Rotary, the call for collaboration is inherently tied to setting a personal example. If I were to pinpoint what resonates most deeply with me, it would undoubtedly be the pursuit of leadership. Leadership positions entail guiding individuals with qualities equal to or surpassing our own. Here, leadership isn’t about issuing orders but about rallying collaboration to achieve common goals, particularly those geared toward philanthropic service. Cultivating leadership qualities through unwavering commitment to Rotary presents an ongoing challenge, yet the dividends extend across all aspects of our personal and professional lives. Throughout this journey, leading by personal example emerges as the most potent catalyst for inspiring others and advancing the collective welfare.
Over three decades, I’ve devoted myself wholeheartedly to the rewarding profession of research and university-level physics instruction. Along this journey, I’ve been privileged to guide and inspire over a thousand young individuals in their educational pursuits. Through this remarkable experience, I’ve noticed a profound hunger for ethics among young people – a desire for professional and ethical role models who can ignite their talents and guide them toward self-fulfillment.
Despite uncertainties about the future, I’ve observed a significant interest among young people in ethical issues, such as community development and environmental sustainability amid technological advancements. This highlights their inclination towards values and objectives encompassing a broader and more conscientious vision of their societal and environmental roles.
Sharing and teaching these ethical perspectives to young minds has been an immensely gratifying aspect of my career. I aspire to continue this endeavor, leveraging the platform of Rotary to enrich and empower future generations.
To them, I say, “Go, discover what Rotary can give you, and let yourself be inspired.” And when the spark ignites, they will discover that what they can do together with other Rotarians is irresistible.
Read more about Scamarcio on Rotary.org. Submit a nomination for next year’s Rotary Alumni Global Service Award by 15 September.
https://blog.rotary.org/2024/07/23/alumni-global-service-award-winner-teaches-ethics-to-young-minds/