Reminiscing about Rotary Youth Exchange, Mexico 1997

Michael, seen here with President Pete, reminded us that there is always something we can learn about how to support our young people who are involved in Rotary Youth Exchange - either here or abroad.  Initially Michael thought he might like to go to Canada, Brazil or Argentina and was quite surprised to learn that he was, in fact, heading to Mexico - which was not on his list of preferred options.  His only points of reference about Mexico were that he didn't like spicy food; and he'd seen the movie "My 3 Amigos". 

 

Despite lots of hiccups that were briefly recounted this morning, Michael learned to love his experience and found that the more he opened his mind to trying new things the more pleasure he got out of the exchange.  Some things were more memorable than others, including the event where he was the guest of honour at a party and was expected to eat steamed goat's head with all the elements - eyes, tongue, cheek, and even the brains!

 

He made lots of friends there and it lead him to go on to get his Diploma in Interpreting at TAFE.  He met his future wife while on exchange and they have been together now for 17 years. 

 

Michael spoke briefly about the 4D's that are drummed into the young people going on exchange - no dating, no drinking, no driving and no drugs.  The one thing he could say with certainly was that he definitely did not do drugs while away.  The others . . . . .

 

Recalling his experience he said that any Rotary Youth Exchange is enhanced when Rotary pays attention to the 4 F's that he says needs to be considered:

 

Find families who love kids and want the young people to be with them not out of obligation to take them on, but because they are genuinely interested them.  Find people who will treat the exchangee as a member of their own extended family.

 

Find committee members who care.  Dump those who are on the committee so that their CV looks more impressive.  These caring people can make all the difference for someone who is alone, afraid and not sure what to do next. 

 

Fair treatment of all students.  Find people who love kids and who want to get involved in local activities so these young men and women get to really experience living in the local community. 

 

Find time to interact with the young people.  Make sure that they feel welcome and supported at all times.  Michael indicated that of the 25 students who went to Mexico the same year he did, only 5 of them finished the whole year.  His personal experience was that if Rotarians were being supportive then the young people would be less likely to 'break the rules'.

 

The people is what really makes all the difference.  The exchange experience impacted upon Michael greatly and he wants his own children to be able to be involved in it when they are old enough.  He found it an enriching experience.  Rotary can do amazing things, not because it is 'Rotary' but because it is made up of amazing people.

 

Thanks for coming this morning Michael and sharing your story with us.