It's September. For the first time in years our household is missing the fun and excitement of hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student.

 

We reminisce about taking our Korean “daughter” to the Minnesota State Fair where she terrified my wife, Catherine, when Jein did the 142-foot bungee jump. Jein loved it!  Our Spanish “son” ate his way through the Fair. We marveled at Paco's Midway game prowess; he came away with stuffed animals for everyone!

 

Rotary Youth Exchange students who come to Minnesota love our schools' outstanding academic, sports and performing arts programs and opportunities. For some, it is the first time they go to a lake cabin, and for many, it is their first introduction to snow and ice. You Rotarians are amazing hosts for many special occasions and events. ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES for these amazing young people experiencing the world of Minnesota!

 

Our District also sends Exchange participants to Brazil, India, Spain, Australia — truly all around the world. They gain a new global perspective on culture, family, and friendship, and describe their experiences as life changing. ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES for these fabulous young people to experience the world! 

 

Rotarians who get to know our Youth Exchange students gain new insights by seeing our familiar world through their eyes. We learn about their traditions and cultures. Hosts get to know the student's family and gain bonus sons and daughters. ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES for us through participation in Rotary Youth Exchange.

 

COVID restrictions prompted Northstar Rotary Youth Exchange to make the difficult-but-wise decision to not participate in exchanges this academic year. However, we are already hard at work planning for 2021-22. We maintain contacts and stay in touch with students who were accepted for 2020-/21 and can go in 21-22. And, we are taking applications from new students who are interested in the program. Contact Melanie DeLuca, Chair of Northstar Rotary Youth Exchange, if you and/or your club have questions about Rotary Youth Exchange.  

 

In the meantime, talk to your friends and neighbors. Were they involved in Rotary Youth Exchange as students or host families? They should be Rotarians! Make sure you invite them to a meeting! Rotary will continue to OPEN OPPORTUNITIES for them!