Dear Iowa Rotary,
As I write my final update as a Rotary Global Scholar, I am no longer looking ahead to the end of my year in London—it has already arrived.
This past month has been a whirlwind of milestones and goodbyes. I successfully completed and submitted my master's dissertation at King's College London, marking the culmination of an incredibly rewarding year studying Intelligence and International Security. After months of research, writing, and revision, it was satisfying to see all of my hard work come together.
Outside of academics, I spent my final weeks saying goodbye to the incredible friends I made through the Global Scholar program and at Goodenough College. While it was difficult to part ways, it was comforting to know that our friendships will continue well beyond this year. We have already begun making plans to reunite in different parts of the world, a reminder of just how international and connected this experience has been.
My final days in London were spent packing up the life I had built over the past year before boarding a plane back to the United States. Leaving was bittersweet. London became more than just a place to study—it became a home, filled with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Looking back, this year has changed me in ways I never could have anticipated. My studies at King's College London challenged me to think more critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and deepen my understanding of global security issues. Beyond the classroom, living in an international community broadened my worldview and taught me the value of approaching complex issues with curiosity, humility, and empathy.
Rotary has been at the heart of this experience. Through the support of my home club, my host club, and the broader Rotary network, I had opportunities to meet inspiring leaders, participate in service projects, and build friendships across cultures. Rotary reminded me that meaningful leadership begins with service and that international understanding is built one relationship at a time.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible. Your encouragement and investment in my education allowed me to pursue an experience that has shaped both my career aspirations and the person I have become.
Although this chapter has come to a close, I know it is only the beginning. I am excited to return home, begin the next stage of my career, and continue serving through Rotary. I especially look forward to seeing many of you in person at an Iowa Rotary meeting later this month and sharing more stories from this unforgettable year.
Thank you again for believing in me and for making this extraordinary journey possible.
Kate Kueter
Rotary Global Scholar 2025–2026