Michaela Gelnarová

I come from the third biggest city of the Czech Republic, Ostrava, where I have spent the most of my childhood. After five years of elementary school I was accepted to Olga Havlova Grammar School, which provided me with everything a student can possibly ask for; friends, excellent professors, the motivation to further develop my skills, and the courage to step out of my comfort zone.

My first big adventure was a Rotary exchange program that allowed me to spend eleven months in Colorado, USA. I simply fell in love with traveling, volunteering, and experiencing foreign culture. The following summer, I traveled to Brazil, which enthralled me completely. My experience in Brazil led me to want to work in the future as an ambassador of the Czech Republic.

Studying university abroad was one of my biggest aspirations. I have applied to a number of prestigious universities; however, I did not receive the needed funding to attend. I decided not to let go of my dream and choose to pursue a gap year, so that I could try my luck once more. During my gap year I got a chance to volunteer in Sri Lanka, participate in European Union projects in Portugal, Spain, and Poland as well as gain work experience within Prague.  

Thanks to a generous support from the Grinnell College and The Kellner Family foundation, I have had the chance to study at one of the most prestigious Liberal Arts Colleges in the USA.

Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions or concerns on my email address gelnarov@grinnell.edu.

Secondary

Olga Havlova eight-year Grammar School in Ostrava (graduated 2013); Poudre High School, Fort Collins, CO, US (2010/2011)

University

Grinnell College, Grinnell, US, started in 2014

E-mail

gelnarov@grinnell.edu

Goals

After graduation from Grinnell College I would like to stay in the USA to work and gain valuable experience in an international environment. Later on, I hope to become a successful applicant for a Rotary Peace Fellow scholarship that would allow me to obtain a master’s degree at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Interests

Traveling, Current Affairs, Volunteering, Music, Photography, Extreme Sports