Staying Positive!
Hello Mesa West! This is Paige Goetzenberger reporting again from the beautiful Austrian countryside. It was so nice chatting with a number of you during the Zoom meeting on Thursday, so I thought it would be nice to write a little more about my current situation for the newsletter.
As of last Friday, I have been in Austria for a total of eight months! During this time, I have made the most amazing memories and have had so many life changing experiences, but this is not to say that Rotary Youth Exchange hasn’t tested me in ways like never before. This past month has challenged me greatly, but I have come into April more strong-minded and sure of myself than ever. After the initial scare of COVID-19, I watched many of my closest friends return to their home countries and questioned what the safest choice for myself really was. After conversing with my parents and a few intense journaling sessions, I could not be happier to say that I will be continuing to make these next few months the best as possible. I am spending my time in quarantine reflecting, learning, and appreciating the amazing country that I am still lucky enough to be living in.
With four host sisters, it is easy for us to keep each other entertained. We’ve become pretty creative in planning activities, such as tie dying, makeovers, treasure hunts, baking contests, spirit weeks, and fashion shows. We are also able to keep each other motivated with our studies and completing our online assignments. I am using this as a chance to study German as much as possible and am even able to continue my tutoring sessions through video chats. In the middle of June, I still hope to take the official test that certifies me as fluent in all German speaking countries. The Corona virus has not put my exchange on hold, as I am still with an amazing host family and chatting with my new friends every day.
I think it is important to remember that although things could be better, they could be a lot worse. All of us are fortunate enough not to be “stuck” inside but privileged enough to have the basic necessities that allow us to remain safe within the comfort of our own homes. I will definitely be joining more Mesa West Zoom meetings in the future and look forward to speaking with all of you again soon.
Paige and her Austrian sisters are shown doing some physical fitness activities, including yoga, and had a backyard beach resort-themed celebration on a balmy day, Monday, April 6.