Nancy Morris introduced our speaker for the evening. Isadora was the Rotary Club of Charleswood`s exchange student for the 2007 / 2008 year. Nancy stated that she is so glad that Isadora has decided to move back to Winnipeg after spending time in Victoria, B.C. We are also very pleased to see her mother here to visit with Isadora and us tonight.
Isadora was born in San Paulo State, Brazil. Brazil is named after a tree and has the world`s 5th largest population. The indigenous population speak over 180 different languages. Brazil is energy self-sufficient. There are 9 Rotary clubs in her home city of 200,000 people. In the summer the average temperature is 32C, while in the winter the average temperature is 27C. Quite different than Canada.
In 2006 she applied for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Canada was on her top 5 list that she submitted on her application. Four months later she received a letter from the Charleswood Rotary Club stating that she had been accepted as our exchange student. At the time she spoke limited English but felt that the best way to learn was to become immersed in the language and travel to Canada. It is one thing to be taught a language in class, and a totally different experience to learn in an environment where you are exposed to all the different slang and nuances of the language.
Her host families were; 1. Dave & Nancy Morris / 2. Jack Wilson & Mur Sutherland / 3. Ed & Elaine Thompson. Isadora felt that changing families was a great part of the exchange program. This allowed her to experience much more while here. With each family you learn a little more about the country and people living there.
She graduated Grade 12 from Oak Park High School. Back in Brazil she never had to study all subjects in English, so that was a different experience for her. She was also able to take courses here in Grade 12 that would not have been available to her in Brazil until she was in University. Course examples would be Comparative Religions & Cooking Classes. Isadora spoke fondly of having a past Oak Park H.S. teacher come up to her, after recognizing her, to say hello.
The organizers of the exchange program would arrange to get all the exchange students together for various Canadian experiences every couple of months. This would involve travel to small towns in Manitoba or Saskatchewan to do activities such as; pumpkin carve, downhill ski, cross country ski, walk on a frozen lake. The frozen lake was a little scary at first, “is it really frozen?”. She has made friends for life in this program. At this point Isadora showed multiple photos of her and various close friends that she made while an exchange student.
When the exchange program ended for her, she went back to Brazil. Isadora studied Fashion in University. While in University she met a “nice guy”, they were talking about moving to another country and decided on Canada. Gabriel applied for a Master`s Program in Victoria, B.C. He graduated last summer and they both decided that Victoria had become too small for them but they didn`t want to move anywhere too big. Winnipeg was the place for them, so they moved back here.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program changed Isadora`s life. She has a new understanding of the world and cultures within it. Do not assume anything about people. Don`t judge but explore. Canadians are very welcoming unlike other countries that are putting up barriers all the time. Just be friendly. Isadora found a home away from home and people that she can share her life with.
Q/A
1.-Chuck Crocker asked what Isadora is doing in Winnipeg, Fashion?
A.-She was ready for a change. Found that the fashion industry is very stressful. So while in Victoria she did not work in the fashion industry. Here in Winnipeg she is back into it. She works for a company making graduation gowns and caps for Universities here and in the USA. They do a lot of custom gowns.
2.-Jack Wilson, looking back on your Rotary experience, how do you see Rotary involved in how you see the future?
A.-Will be involved with Rotary for sure. Rotary is involved around the World as well as locally. Rotary helps people in big and small ways. Rotary is not like that in Brazil.
3.-Elaine Thompson was glad that Isadora had experienced the Rotary family.
4.-Kris Wilson, now that you are not in the program any longer, are there any rules that you broke while here that you would want to talk about?
A.-No, she never had to talk to the RCMP??
Darvin Jasper thanked Isadora for coming back to the Charleswood Rotary Club tonight and giving some insight into her experiences, we do not often get to hear the outcome of exchange visits. While here she was looked after by some of the classiest people he knows. A donation will be made to ShelterBox in her name.
