Elyssa on Finland

Posted by Brad Goodison

John Digby introduced Elyssa Dobson, our returning Exchange Student. Elyssa started her presentation with a substantial introduction in Finnish. She knows more than a few words of Finnish. Elyssa's demonstrated her confidence, knowledge of Rotary and Finland, all with a sense of humour.

Elyssa stayed with three families in the area of Kiuruvest, Finland, where there are more cows than people. Her first family was the Harmoinen, (This must be the right spelling, Dorean and I recorded it the same) Here, Elyssa learned what it is like to have five (host families) in contrast to her sister in Canada.

The second family she stayed with was Partanen and her host mom is a retired hair dresser - this was convenient since Elyssa attended the Ball at the high school. Elyssa showed us her strategy for learning to speak Finnish, with post-it-notes on her word wall. (It reminded my of my computer monitor with my passwords)

The third family was the Lind Family, where Elyssa enjoyed her first host sister. More cows to learn to milk. Here her anxiety was relieved when the stereotypical Finnish Sauna experience was brought to reality, where each gender enjoys the sauna separately.

Elyssa also enjoyed Christmas - one of her host brothers dissappeared and Santa appeared. Santa magically appears in each house at the same time.

She also enjoyed hockey - Elyssa took to hockey like a true Canadian, three times per week, in addition to volleyball and other sports and Moomi World - Disney World equivalent.

The Rotary Club in Finland has 25 members and they sponsored her trip to St. Petersburg.

Elyssa summarized her exchange as a life changing experience, where her opinions have changed on a number of issues. She thanked our Club for the best year of her life!

Brad Goodison thanked Elyssa for one of the best exchange presentations.