Amazing Kaelyn's Exchange Year Began With Months of Toughing it Out.

Kaelyn Page, our Rotary Exchange Student to France for School Year 2015-16 was our presenter for the September 27th meeting.  Kaelyn spent nearly a full year in Vedene France near Avignon. We were entertained by her emails during her time in France, but her report told a poignant story of language difficulties, days of hard classes due to the language barrier and teaching differences, and overall culture shock.  The friendship of fellow Rotary Exchange students was a salvation and breaks for Rotary sponsored tours were also a refreshing break from the stress.  Kaelyn stressed to Maron and Gaia, the two inbound exchange students in attendance at the meeting the importance of making friends. Something that she was able to do through the drama club at the school she attended. 

After nearly six months Kaelyn said she was finally able to freely converse in the local language and from that time on the experience was much more satisfying. Many tears were shed when it was time to finally end her exchange and lasting friendships still endure.  Great talk Kaelyn and we are proud of you for being a good representative for Edmond Summit Rotary.  Bienvenue à la maison Kaelyn!

Holding the US and French flags, at right, Kayla Blount, Host mom to inbound students  Manon left of center and Gaia, to the left of Julie Hovis at far right.  Inbound exchange Kaelyn Page Center gave sage advice to the two inbound students while presenting her talk.