What was once just an idea is slowly starting to become a reality. It seems like it was just December when I finally heard my official conformation that I indeed was accepted as a Rotary Youth Exchange student for district 6650. As soon as I got the email I screamed with excitement jumping up and down in my kitchen. Only a few days before my 18th birthday it easily will be one of the best early birthday presents I've ever received.
Now three overnighters and one parent orientation later, my exchange is slowly taking shape from an idea to a reality. I know not only what country I'm going to but what district as well. Lucky for me one of my friends from home is going to the same district, 4920, as me in Argentina. As excited as I am to go off on my own I can't deny it'll be nice to have a familiar face in the same continental let alone providence as me.
The first overnighter I left extremely exhausted, excited, and nervous. Saying your going to learn a language is one thing, hearing people speak the language you've studied for three years and understand only a few words is another. Despite my nervousness about learning a new language I was excited. I went home and watched eat pray love with a foreign language as subtitles. But even then it didn't hit me. Nor did it the second overnighter where I found out I would be traveling to Argentina and I would have to learn Spanish (I studied french throughout high school).
It started to sink in at the parent orientation when we were talking about flights, luggage, visas, and departure dates. I don't mean to give you the impression that parts of reality had not sunk in yet but the idea of me actually flying on a plane and pack just reminded me woahhh this is all going to happen fast! Next month I get my blazer at the district conference! Yet it's only march heaven forbid what I feel come August!
That's part of the reason why I'm blogging about my trip. My friend sent me a link of a previous student who had blogged about their exchange and how helpful it was to read about their experience when it came to picking my countries and figuring out if Rotary is what I want for me. Thus, I created this blog as a way for other students to have insight to the feelings and what actually happens as an exchange student. Not to mention the fact that it is a great way for family, friends, and Rotarian's to read about my exchange.
