As I watched this week's Rotary presentation, three young people presented us with their experiences as Youth Exchange Students. I was in awe -- they were articulate, confident, and somehow 'experienced' in ways I never was at that age. It inspired me.
One of the things that inspires me most about Rotary is our Youth Exchange Program. Every year, Rotary gives young people — just 16 or 17 years old — the opportunity to leave everything familiar behind: their homes, their friends, their families, and everything they know about daily life.
Imagine the courage it takes to travel to a foreign country, enroll in a school where classes are taught in a language you may barely speak, and live with a family you’ve never met. Imagine sitting down to meals and trying foods you’ve never seen before — sometimes even things you never imagined eating, like horse in France or octopus in Japan! These students are asked to adapt, to be flexible, to open their minds and hearts to a completely different way of life.
Over the course of nine months, Youth Exchange students live with three different host families, learning not just about one household but about an entire culture. They travel to places they’ve never seen, make friendships that last a lifetime, and experience more personal growth than most adults achieve in years. And then, just as they’ve adapted to this new world, they return home — to their families, their schools, and their communities — as completely transformed young people.
These students come home older and wiser, yet still filled with curiosity and enthusiasm. They’ve gained confidence, independence, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. They’ve also become ambassadors of peace and understanding, carrying with them the values that Rotary holds dear: friendship, service, and respect for all cultures.
Rotary doesn’t just send students abroad — we welcome international students into our own communities. In doing so, we create a network of young people around the world who carry lifelong gratitude and a lasting connection to Rotary. They become our advocates, our friends, and, in many cases, our future leaders.
Through the Youth Exchange Program, Rotary is not only changing lives — we are shaping the future. By investing in these courageous young people, we are investing in a more understanding, compassionate, and connected world.
And that is truly inspiring.
With warm Rotary hugs and much gratitude,