Exchange 09
Maureen introduced Jenna, who is the Penetang Club's outbound, going to Germany and Michelle, who needs no introduction.
Jenna told us where she's going but says the town's so small she couldn't even find it on a map. She said it had been great having Michelle live with her for 3 months because it gave her a sister, she learned to share and Michelle helped her gain an insight into what she would be doing and going through over the next year. She ran a slide show for the Club that illustrated some of the experience, saying goodbye to friends, meeting new friends, taking part in the introductory meetings and the trip to Ottawa and the skills training.
Michelle said she had been able to tell Jenna a little about dealing with homesickness and to tell her parents a little bit about dealing with her departure and absence. Jenna says it has already taught her to value what we have in this country and community but also to look forward to and appreciate new experiences.
She knows her parents have some reluctance about her going so doesn't rely on their advice to much - being 'biased'. Michelle knows the experience and has helped her to even out the emotional roller coaster she's been on since being accepted. From her grade 8 scapbook she read a poem by Robert Elliott called 'Open your arms to who you are' which encourages us all to go to new places, make new friends and accept change.
Michelle described Mexico, which gained independence from Spain in 1821, underwent a revolution in 1910, established a democracy under a Constitution in 1917 and is now an active part of the international community and a signator to the Free Trade Pact. Mexico has a huge abundance and variety of natural life, 2,000 species of animals and birds, 2,500 protected areas, dozens of different ecosystems and a large selection of National Parks. 20 million people visit every year making Mexico the second largest destination for tourists. The food is colourful and spicy and harks back to pre colonial traditions.
She was born in Guadalajara. Her dad was self employed and she had a younger sister who was not well. Her parents divorced and she moved with her mother to her grandparent's house where her mom worked with her grandfather. Her sister died at the age of 4. Her mother is strong and supportive and they both had a close relationship with the grandparents but her mom is her best friend. Her grandfather died 18 months ago.
It was difficult but taking this opportunity to travel has been the right decision for her, it's led to new things, new friends and it's made her stronger. She has even learned she can live without talking to her mother every day. She is now so close to everybody here she is torn about going home but she can't wait to see her family. She thanked the Club for making every day of the year a special day. She still has questions and is sometimes confused by it has been a great experience and she carries everybody she has met in her heart.
Steve said all of us in the Club are proud of her, she is the smilingest, huggingest person and we have loved having her here and meeting her family and she is a credit to Mexico. Steve gave Jenna a paddle and the Club's best wishes for a successful year as well.