Hello, my name is Paco Tebar Gomez and I’m an exchange student from Spain attending Edina High School for my junior year. My school in Spain has 200 students; Edina has over 3,000!
In Spain, I live in a climate similar to San Diego, so December’s Christmas lights and snow was incredible. January was still beautiful. February came and the lakes were still frozen! In March I got a little bit tired of snow. Now (April), I’ve seen enough. This completely different environment is what makes it special. I’m seeing things I’ve never seen before.When my mom first told me about being an exchange student, I thought, “I’m good here with my friends and relatives. Why would I want to go somewhere else?” But she explained to me how amazing this year would be. And look where I’m at today. And all this is thanks to Rotary.
I discovered something this year. Being out of your comfort zone is where all the magic is going to happen. Meeting so many people and becoming a wiser person is thanks to all the obstacles in your path. I encourage others to take that step.
I thank the Edina Morningside Rotary Club and the Edina Noon Club, along with my host family, Tom and Catherine Gump. And how could I forget my host brother, Andrew? They are now my second family. Thanks to them and Rotary, I’ve had many amazing experiences that I’ll never forget.