Advice from the Buddha

Healing begins when actions and words come together to make change.

2014 Calvin College Conference

The weekend of July 11-July 13 was a time for Inbounds, Outbounds, & Rebounds alike to connect and share their hopes, fears, excitement, words of wisdom, and experiences with each other! Of course, let's not forget the Rotex, other Rotary members, and our dear parents who trekked all the way to Grand Rapids, Michigan to bring us all together here!

I have to admit, I wasn't exactly looking forward to this conference. #1 I wasn't very excited about the 2 & 1/2 hour drive all the way out there, but there were other kids from places like Minnesota so I guess I couldn't complain. And #2 I expected it to be long and somewhat boring like some of our other meetings (no offence guys!) filled with lots of talking which would result in some sleepy head bobbing and heavy eyelids that refused to stay open. But this weekend was anything but! Sure I arrived at the conference running on only 1 hour of sleep (literally), but the atmosphere was so uplifting and exciting that I couldn't help but succumb to the infectious livelyhood of it all! 

That Friday started off with a chaotic game of "Ice Breaker" which forced all of the Inbounds and Outbounds to find people from different countries listed on a little card. Guiltily enough my mom and I opted for unloading the car and carrying our things to our rooms for time's sake since we arrived a little late, but I could see and hear the game going on and afterward heard that it was a lot of fun!

The rest of the weekend consisted of very helpful informational meetings with other Rotarians, our It's Your World Travel agents, and our Host Country Correspondents. There was much to be said and lots of questions from both parents and Outbound students. Probably the most helpful part of the conference was getting to talk to the Rebounds who just recently came back from their countries, that way we were given the inside look at what exchange is really like. They were able to answer the questions and settle the fears that us Outbounds had that other Rotarians or officials couldn't. 

Both nights, Friday and Saturday, the students were able to mingle and party it up at the Hoogenboom Fieldhouse (you probably had the same reaction I first did reading that name)! For about two hours we were allowed to dance our tails off, indulge in some delicious pizza, and go for a swim in the competition pool! On Saturday during the afternoon, Inbounds, Outbounds, and even some Rebounds took part in the pin exchange! This is where all of the students bring pins that they either bought or made and exchange them with other students from different countries to put on their Rotary Blazer! I can't believe how many pins and cards I collected! It was so much fun and it was even a way to really get to know some of these kids. 

This weekend was really such an amazing experience! It has made me so proud to be a part of this amazing Rotary Youth Exchange program. I think I am finally ready to embark on this next chapter in my life. Leaving behind family and friends for a year will be tough, but I know that I am a strong young woman and I am ready to see the world. Slovakia bound through and through <3

Dovidenia na Slovensku!

(See you in Slovakia!)

Advice from the Buddha

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Pride!

Sporting our pride in Chicago! Had such an amazing time at the Pride Fest in Chi-town with one of my closest friends. Got to experience the joy of Pride and the love from every person who was there to celebrate equality in the States!