On August 8, 2008 (08/08/08), I started my Rotary Youth Exchange, leaving France for Columbia, MO, USA for a year. To this day, I still have so many memories from this amazing year: from the wonderful persons I met to the beautiful places I’ve been to.
Over 10 years later, it amazes me how vivid all my memories of this incredible experience still are! Remembering the other students from all over the world, the great host families, counselors, and other Rotarians involved in my exchange, and all the friends I made and still have today. “Make dreams real” was Rotary’s motto during the 2008/2009 year. Rotary’s Youth Exchange did that for me.
Learning/knowing a second language, meeting people from all over the world and discovering new places have been TREMENDOUS benefits in my life, both back then and ever since. And so much has happened! I finished high school, went on a preparatory school to pass the entry exam of one of the best French business schools, and eventually received Master’s degrees from both EDHEC and the University of Alberta. I went on a student exchange in Edmonton, AB, Canada as part of my school program, fell in love with the city, decided to stay and received my Canadian Permanent Residency.
I joined Rotary – as a member this time, hoping that I will soon be able to help future youth exchange students benefit from the same life-changing experience as I did. And it all started with a Youth Exchange Student. YES. Do it, it’s worth it. “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” ― Miriam Adeney