Hello Everyone, I’m Kelsey and I have been given the most incredible opportunity to spend a year in Altdorf, Switzerland with Rotary Youth Exchange, sponsored by this fantastic club. For those who don’t know me; I’m 16 and I attend Wilson High School. I love baking, exploring, and skiing, which I have been doing for 12 years.
But, above everything else I love to travel. Since first grade I have always wanted to live overseas. I want to immerse myself in the culture, traditions, food, and language of the world. I would love to live I a place that allows me to do just that, and through Rotary that dream became a reality.
I applied in September of last year to be an exchange student. I remember how nervous I was waiting in the lobby before my interview, and how sweaty my hands were while I was explaining why I should be an exchange student. But what I remember most of all, is when I got the call where I was informed that I would be an exchange student, I don’t think I have ever been happier, or smiled more than I did that day, except for maybe the night I was informed of the country I would be spending my Junior year of high school in, Switzerland!
Originally, Switzerland was never on my list of countries to choose for a Rotary Exchange, I had my heart set on Denmark, but after the February Eastern Oregon trip, my heart shifted. I was one of a few to receive their first choice of countries, mine being changed to Switzerland. I was to be the only exchange student from District 5100 to be going to Switzerland, and I couldn’t be more estatic. Switzerland is a country located in the heart of Europe, surrounded by Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and Liechtenstein. There are four official languages; being German, French, Italian, and Romansch. I will be living in the German section in the Swiss Canton of Uri, right in the heart of the country in a city named Altdorf. What drew me to Switzerland was the wonderful location, iIt is located in the middle of Europe with all kinds of cultural influences. The country is known for its infamous mountain range, the Alps, and I being a skier it was a perfect fit. And if you didn’t know, Switzerland has world famous chocolate, and I am a chocoholic so there was no better place to go. Behind the skiing and chocolate, Switzerland is a melting pot of culture and people from every corner of the planet. From the four languages spoken in such a small area, to being land-locked by some of the most influential countries in Europe, I fell in love.
I cannot wait to get to the Airport, and get on a plane to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Most of the time when I think about my Exchange, I think about all the wonderful things I will get to experience; the food- oh the food, the chocolate- probably more than I should, the mountains, snow at Christmas, meeting my new host families, the Swiss wedding for one of my new host sisters, the gondola’s, my new school, meeting other exchange students from all over the world, learning a new language- and if possible maybe two. I am so excited to just fully immerse myself in someplace new, a place where I don’t speak the language, know anyone or know the culture. Most of my classmates at school have never thought of leaving the United States for a year, and experience what I will get to do on my year in Switzerland. They think I m crazy. I cannot in words express how thankful I am to have been given this opportunity, and without Rotary this would not be possible. I have never felt so prepared for something in my life, and that is because of the fantastic training we exchange students are given prior to departure. We have been taught on how to handle everything that our year will through at us; homesickness, budgeting, culture shock, and communication. I know for a fact that I could never have done this if I had not been through the 3 weekends that were required by our district. It’s so comforting to have so many people supporting me in this huge adventure; my parents, my country officer, and of course all of you for being a part of Rotary International. This organization is changing the world, and for me to be a part of it ir the most amazing gift anyone could have given me. Rotary has changed my world, and I haven’t even left yet! I feel so much more confident in myself and I have this yearn to travel every corner of the earth that I didn’t even know was possible. I had no idea that going through this could have changed me as much as it has. I don’t know how to thank you enough; you have changed my life forever. Thank you so much for giving me this amazing experience and I cannot wait for it to begin. All I have left to say is that from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you all.
