Anne Kruse
I don’t think any Rotary exchange student would describe their exchange year as “the year I got the best grades”, “the year I mastered calculus”, or “the year in which I read the most books.” But EVERY exchange student can without a doubt call their exchange year “the year I learned the most.” Some other titles for an exchange year that might also be possible include: “the year I had the most fun”, “the year in which I spent the largest amount of time confused,” and “the year I learned how to curse in the most languages.” For those of you who have never been exchange students, the experience is indescribable. You will just have to trust those of us who have and know that it is awesome, and that bridges really are built through this program.
This experience has meant everything to me. I want to thank my Rotary Club back home, the Rotary Club of Columbia Northwest. I also want to thank the Rotary club of Schwerin here in Germany and all of the people whose time and effort make exchange possible for young people around the world. Your work does not go unappreciated. Rotary Youth Exchange does not only change the exchange students themselves but the world. Connections are made, friendships are created, and I am confident that the people I have met this year will stay in my heart for the rest of my life!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
