Self-discovery, connection, and growth are words that I would use to describe my Rotary Youth Exchange year. In August 2007, I set out for Sydney, Australia. Upon my arrival, after 24 hours of travel time, I was exhausted and ecstatic. I was welcomed with hugs and open hearts by my first host family - an Italian couple, with three girls, near my age.
Some of my fondest memories with my first host family included shadowing my host dad who ran a florist shop out of their home and accompanying my host mom to a variety of entertainment events where she was the lead singer. For them, Sundays were a day of gathering, we would go to my host mums mums. She was a little Italian lady who didn't speak English though would always welcome me with hugs and smiles. The family would engage in conversation over warm, homemade focaccia (pronounced fo-kah-cha), an Italian flatbread made from a base similar to pizza dough that can be either sweet or savoury. I discovered myself by always remaining curious, asking questions, and being open to new experiences by saying yes when Rotarians offering up their homes, cottages, vacations, sport tickets and even hobbies! Opening myself up to new experiences included travelling independently to learn train lines and bus routes so that I could get around, meet friends, and visit the places I wanted to see independently.
I have memories and feelings of connectedness that were cultivated during weekly meetings with fellow exchange students at a local food court. We shared stories, experiences, feelings, and supported one another. During our time, we made future plans, went shopping or saw a movie. We were a tight knit community that needed one another. Since my RYE year, I travelled to Europe to teach English. I was fortunate to have been able to visit eight friends from my exchange year all over Europe. During these travels, I met friends and families and learned more about their culture by being in their spaces and countries. Fourteen years later, I still keep in touch with fellow exchange students, friends from school and host families. They will always have a special place in my heart.
From events, fundraisers, interviews, Rotary weekends, country reveals, passport applications to booking flights and the "see you laters", Rotary has a way of instilling a sense of community and connectedness. I can confidently say I have experienced a world where people unite and take action to better oneself, our communities, and our globe. I was humbled and experienced tremendous growth from my Rotary Youth Exchange year. I wanted to show myself that I could take on any challenge with an open heart and mind, and I wanted to show Canada proud. I valued the time Rotarians put in to getting to know me by connecting and exchanging stories.
I invite you to consider the opportunities rotary youth exchange could bring to your life. The experience changed me forever and I am beyond thankful for Rotary for offering me the opportunity of a lifetime.
Ready for YOUR global adventure? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to learn more about becoming Kitchener Rotary's next outbound exchange student.
