Hannah went to Brazil

Posted:  Jan 17, 2017

Wow! 6 years since, I did my exchange in Brazil and it still feels like yesterday. In these 6 years I haven't been as active in the rotary community as I would have like to have been, but I will NEVER forget the opportunity Rotary gave me, and continues to give me as I continue to develop and strengthen my relationships with friends and family I met across the world.

I recently travelled throughout Scandanavia and Eastern Europe (yep, visiting my exchange friends, who are the best kind of friends). When I was in Copenhagen, heading to Helsinki, I saw two blonde haired, blue eyes girls with BLAZERS...yes, the easy to recognize from 1000km away blazers. I went up to them and, like a high school girl, jumped up and down squeeling about my exchange year. One had been in WA and one in NSW and they were so excited to be heading home, but so sad (oh my gosh I remember ALL those feelings!!!!). I cried and said that they have no idea how important their year had been, and no idea how important it will continue to be for the rest of their lives.

Despite learning a new language, travelling to many new places, meeting new people, eating new foods and experiencing a whole new world, you also grow in yourself. For everyone, this personal growth is different. But for me, it helped me build confidence and understand a little bit more about myself and my inner-strength.

My mum and the Rotary club of Boonah, QLD and the Rotary club of Jandira, Sao Paulo, Brazil, helped me make memories and friendships that I will be eternally grateful for.

 
 
 
 
 
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