YE ALUM REPORTS
Gui grew up in Brazil and did a Rotary Youth Exchange in Canada in 2016-17. He is currently taking pre-med, hoping to qualify for med school next year. Here is what he had to say about his year here.
As a teenager growing up in Brazil getting up early was not something I did. On exchange, I was allowed to join the rowing team and I had to get up Monday through Friday at 4am (!) for rowing practices before school started. Funny enough, that has become one of my best memories of my exchange.
As a Rotary Youth Exchange Student inbound, I got to explore other people’s culture and understand the way they live. That led me to a better understanding of the diversity of peoples, their religions and their behaviours. As a consequence of that, I feel much more tolerant and capable of sharing respect with others. That was only possible because the program allowed me not only to go to school in a different country, but also live with people that were willing to host me in their home. It was a unique experience that gathered responsibilities at school and at home, but in a fun way as I discovered new things every day. Sharing my knowledge with my host parents, host siblings and friends felt like I really am a person capable of contributing to society through friendship, and so I feel much more connected to people as I have many friends not only in Canada but worldwide. Plus, facing adversities in another country made me realize that becoming an adult brings you responsibilities, and it doesn’t matter where you are. Having full support of the Rotary members and my host families helped me go come through the difficult times, especially when I missed home.
Rotary’s goal of having the youth grow with a better understanding of the world and its peoples was certainly achieved during my experience. I recommend it to those who want to have a great time and make lifelong friends while they keep their studies up, and also enter other people’s homes and culture with much respect and an open mind.
Rotary’s goal of having the youth grow with a better understanding of the world and its peoples was certainly achieved during my experience. I recommend it to those who want to have a great time and make lifelong friends while they keep their studies up, and also enter other people’s homes and culture with much respect and an open mind.
Being back in Brazil, I truly miss the family and friends I made whilst on exchange. Thank you Rotary for extending my world view!
Gui