We got a peek into the experiences of two very impressive Rotary Youth Exchange students–one in South Korea and one in Denmark– at our meeting last Wednesday.
And we saw what a positive impact this Rotary program can have in the lives of the approximately 8000 young people worldwide who participate each year.
Emily McClean shares her Rotary Youth Exchange story.
Emily McClean shared snippets of her time in South Korea, in what she called “one of the best experiences of my life.” She made many friends, and even ended up going to her coordinator’s wedding. She studied martial arts there and did competitions, which she said helped her to gain confidence and “come out of her shell.”
Among her other highlights:
- Cooking traditional Korean foods with her host mom
- Visiting Seoul and experiencing traditional culture
- Shopping in Itaewon, and seeing many international visitors
- Attending the Rotary International convention being held in Seoul
Her future plans are to pursue a degree in physics. She graduated early from Newberg High School, obtained sponsorship from USC and is leaving soon to study in Paris for a year.
Tess Watson makes her presentation in full pin regalia
Tess Watson said that her time in Denmark “forced her to grow up, to enjoy the moment and to see and appreciate cultural differences.” She stayed with three different host families and learned from each.
Some of her takeaways:
- She enjoyed trying many foods, like liver pate, herring, and aebleskivers (Danish pancake balls)
- The people of Denmark eat a lot of potatoes!
- Many people ride bikes and many people smoke there
- The cost of living is high
Tess was able to take a side trip to Sweden to go skiing and later take an 18-day trip around Europe. She showed off her pin collection, which she said is a tradition for exchange students.
Matilda presents a Club flag to President Leah Griffith
We were also able to meet the newest exchange student TO Newberg, “fresh off the boat” so to speak. Matilda Harring had arrived just two nights prior from Denmark. Tess’ family will be hosting Matilda during her stay.
Special acknowledgment from our club goes to guest Michelle Bechtold, the Youth Exchange Officer with the Early Birds Club, for all her good work administering this program.
Spike presents a check to Michelle Bechtold for the Youth Exchange partnership program with the Early Birds Club.
Spike Sumner presented Michelle with a check for $5000 from our Foundation in support of our partnership.
Host families are still needed! Please give some consideration to this worthwhile and rewarding opportunity. Michelle would love to talk with you more about it.
In other news…..
McMinnville Sunrise Club President Larry Strober paid us a visit to tell us about his club’s upcoming bocce ball tournament and wine auction to raise funds for the St. Barnabas Soup kitchen and a barrier-free bocce ball court.
It was our last lunch at George Fox. We’ll be at Todd’s House next week (Friendsview), then move to our new location at the Cultural Center on the 31st.
Our guest list also included: Mike Pollock, who is considering membership in our club; Ty Burlingham, visiting Rotarian from Woodburn who was asked about a thousand times when he is joining OUR club; and Kari Fahrenkopf with the Early Birds Club. She was the previous Youth Exchange Officer and is now the committee liaison with our club.
