maddyvavoyager-blog

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South African Animals // June 2019

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How to Guide on growth in hard or unusual places // South Africa // June 2019

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South Africa // June 2019

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Sri Lanka & Kerala, India // May 12th- June 11th, 2018

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Sri Lanka & Kerala, India // May 12th- June 11th, 2018

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Sri Lanka & Kerala, India // May 12th- June 11th

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Dubai // May 13th, 2018

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Rebound Reflection

Sitting here two years after my exchange, my experience still lives within me. In fact, it created the person I am today. At Michigan State University, I am studying Comparative Cultures and Politics- something that would have never reached my mind if it wasn’t for the culture shock in France. Each day, I put my best foot forward and work hard- something I wouldn’t be as good at if my counselors hadn’t pushed me to do the same. Surrounding me is a family-like support from my friends and advisors- something that I wouldn’t have reached for if it wasn’t for my love for my exchange student family. My exchange completely affected the way I live and think and continues to. Although my trip is over, my relationship with Rotary Youth Exchange has grown stronger.

When I first came home, I felt a little lost. I missed all my exchange student friends and the independence I had in France. Need for contact with international students caused me to stay close to the program. I found many close friends this way: Fede, José, João, Lukas, and Mari. But as time went on, I readjusted to my old home and I felt comfortable letting those exchange student bonds go. I wasn’t just a “rebound” anymore, I had taken up new hobbies and interests that also came to define who I am.

This distance did not separate me from Rotary Youth Exchange though. I came to realize that the program was such an integral part of my life and I wanted to spread that to new students. With support from my Rotary counselors, I was able to become a mentor to students go out, coming in, and coming back. Before there was little outreach from Rebounds to give back, but I believe this is an important part of the process. As adolescents, we seek Rotary to fund our hopes and wants but I stuck to the program because the service Rotary expected from me became a habit. Service above self slowly became my motto after observing Rotary meetings, reaching out to exchange students, and taking apart in Rotary service. At MSU, Rotaract has been a way for me to connect to my new community through service.

Not only is this work a habit though, it is gratifying. After Callen McDonough came to me for advice for her exchange, I felt useful. I was proud of my exchange and I was proud of myself for being able to help others. I knew that I had a purpose in my community and in the world- to provide service to others. This service also helped me redefine what I want to do with my time at college. I have now applied for the Resident Assistant and Intercultural Aide roles because it would allow me to reach out to my new environment. It is a part of my life now to help those around me because of the habit I started during and after my exchange.

My exchange affected me, but my rebound experience solidified these changes. I am so thankful to the program for who it has made me become. For the future, I hope only to see more rebounds give back to the program that made them into the young adults they became. Specifically, if they believe their exchange wasn’t as great as it was advertised, because who else is going to fix the problem? It’s up to the rebounds to continue to better the program. I know that I will continue to help those within the Rotary community throughout my life and I wish the same for everyone who has been shaped by their Rotary Youth Exchange.

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The European Times // June 17- July 17

Locations: Madrid, Stratford Upon Avon, Toulouse, Barcelona, La Rochelle, Rochefort

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The European Times // June 17- July 17

Locations: David Austin Roses, Madrid, Barcelona, Stratford Upon Avon, Bordeaux

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The European Times // June 17-July 18

Locations: Île d’Aix, David Austin Roses, Barcelona, Stratford Upon Avon, and Madrid

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Costa Rica // April 2nd-9th, 2017

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Detroit // November 7, 2016

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Video of my Exchange year

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Euro Tour video!

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Gèneve / April 23rd, 2016

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Charmonix / April 22nd, 2016