An Introduction

Hello all, 

My name is Amelia, and if you haven't already figured it out, I will be going to France on an exchange through Rotary. This is going to be such an amazing journey and I can't wait to share it with you! This has been quite the process and has required PATIENCE. It began in September when my local Rotary club did a presentation at the school. I was instantly captivated by the thought of an exchange program and applied as quick as I could. After being selected, I attended an additional interview in early December. All the other students from the region were there, but most of us acted quite icy towards one another. Oh the joys of competition. It really does bring out the best in us. A few months past and I slipped back into the regular routine, the exchange just a novelty thought in the back of my mind. 

Just this past weekend, everyone came back to Outbound Orientation. At first, the students were awkward and tended to keep to themselves (not to say that we weren't later on, but we didn't care at that point). After a while, we started warming up to each other and just babbling on and on. We all knew what country we are going to and knew that we will need the support upon our return. Now, about this orientation. I have two words: information overload. We took in so much over such a small amount of time. It was all very important, but the breaks and conversation were much needed. 

The first day was fun and by the end of the day, most of the students seemed to have known each other for years. It was so interesting to see the transition from awkward to energetic. As we got more comfortable with each other, the jokes and laughter began flowing. I was on crutches for the weekend, and once someone made the crutches joke I knew that the uncomfortable stage was over. There were only a few people who really spoke and volunteered on the first day, but that all changed the next day. 

Maybe that was because of the bonding exercises we did. The first one involved running, so one of the rebounds (I'll talk about them later) took my place. The activity was sort of like musical chairs, but you ran whenever the person in the middle made a statement that applied to you. I told the rebound to just pretend he was a teenage girl for a bit. Maybe I should have rephrased, because the first statement was "I like women". As luck would have it, my rebound ran. I probably should have reminded him that he was a GIRL for those fifteen minutes. He pulled the man's instinct card, so I had to forgive his offence. It was interesting and pushed the awkwardness so far that  most of it disappeared. Afterwards, we did some skits (and the true comedians really came out). Then, we split into groups and had to solve a puzzle without talking or gesturing. Not to brag, but my group finished first after some "interesting" passing of the puzzle pieces. When the bonding time finished, most of the students trekked out on the town. I wish I could have gone, but my crutches said "Uhhh, I don't think so" and I got minimal sleep, which was okay. The second day went in a similar manner, but with less awkwardness from everyone. 

Now the rebounds. What is there to say about the rebounds? More like what isn't there to say about the rebounds? They had their exchange at least two years ago. They were all crazy, but they seemed surprisingly normal. Also, they were HELPFUL. Oh my goodness, they were the  key to that entire weekend. They answered questions, told their stories, and proved that you do come out of this experience alive and well. The rebound from France didn't stay for the whole weekend, but still gave really good advice to me and the other girl going to France. After that rebound left, I found myself relying on the rebound from Belgium. She was so nice and eager to help every one of us. Just having someone to relate to was a comfort within itself. 

When I got home I slept. A lot. Except that I had class at 6:30. Beautiful. Luckily (not really) I'm sick so the weekend was able to set in and become comprehensible. A few of us are already planning the pre-exchange 'Murica reunion. This is going to be great. I have met so many wonderfully awkward people already and can't wait to meet many more along the way. I'd also like to send a shout out to my Country Coordinator. She has been so wonderful and supportive. These Rotary volunteers are so passionate about what they do. For that, I am grateful. Until I have something else significant to talk about, au revoir!

Amelia