At our latest meeting, Rotary Youth Exchange student MJ Klunder joined us via Zoom from Thailand. She inspired us with the story behind her award-winning peace essay and the once-in-a-lifetime experience it led to in Istanbul. A young leader with a global voice, MJ showed us how service, curiosity, and a willingness to say “yes” can create remarkable opportunities.
Earlier this year, while on exchange in Bangkok, Thailand, MJ noticed a Rotary poster shared in a group chat. It invited students to submit a 400-word essay on the theme of peace for a chance to attend an international event in Istanbul. With time to spare during her exchange and a desire to stay mentally sharp, she quietly entered—without telling anyone.
To her surprise, MJ placed first among 470 entries from 41 countries, earning an invitation to Istanbul for a cultural program hosted by Rotary. Although the full International Peace Conference wasn't part of her itinerary, what followed was just as meaningful.
In Istanbul, MJ was joined by her family and stayed with a Turkish host family, embracing the culture through shared meals and local traditions. She visited world-famous sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, and enjoyed a Rotary-sponsored Turkish breakfast described as “the most amazing breakfast” she’s ever had.
One of the most impactful moments came at the “Ladies Ball”, hosted by the Istanbul Rotary Club and attended by high-ranking Rotarians, UN representatives, and the Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchuk. At this formal event, MJ gave a speech reflecting on her essay and her thoughts on peace—a daunting but empowering moment for the 17-year-old, who was the only youth speaker among a sea of adults.
The experience stretched her personally and professionally, teaching her how to navigate high-level networking environments, present herself with confidence, and grow as a global citizen. She called the whole experience “transformative,” crediting Rotary for opening doors she didn’t know existed.
To honour MJ’s achievement, the Rotary Club of St. Marys donated the book Alone, Sometimes to the local library in her name. The book gently reminds us that peace often begins within—and that even young voices can shape a more peaceful world.
Peace in an Interconnected World
In Old English, the word for peace and happiness was the same: “Sibb”. However, in today’s world, the word “peace” can apply to many things, it can simply mean the absence of war, or refer to a state of tranquility, free from distraction, or maybe you make peace with something; you reconcile it. Whatever the definition may be, I feel it is something personal to each individual.
Each person’s life experiences and values will dictate how they view it. To me, world peace means an end to suffering: no more children starving, no more bombs being dropped, no more worrying for the future of the planet.
But I think to approach world peace is to think beyond those invisible lines drawn on a map, and realize we are all human, and we all suffer. The fight for peace is fought together, not against each other.
This is not a revolutionary concept, yet it is constantly forgotten. I see threats of peace, like climate change, and I see how borders don’t stop the flooding, how not only one nation is losing habitats. No single nation emits carbon or pollutes the ocean; it is a shared crisis. And I think when people realize this, how vital harmony is to peace, that is when the most change happens.
To create harmony, you have to be aware. And how you become aware is something that we, as single humans, have the ability to control. We live in an age where it has never been easier to raise awareness and create connections. However, it depends on whether we seize the opportunities presented to us.
I choose to go about the world with open eyes: To travel, to read, to talk, to listen, to watch because I know if I do that, I will be less ignorant of the suffering of others, and in turn, contribute to peace.
Something to leave you with is hope. Becoming aware of all the corruption in the world, all the suffering, can leave you hopeless.
You may become cynical, but you must not succumb to despair.
Hope fuels movements; it is the belief that change is possible and humanity is capable of compassion.
No matter what is going on in the world, it will never be too late, and with compassion in our hearts, and hope in our minds, world peace is possible.