The Last Conference.

          Every year, Rotary has a large conference at Calvin College. It is the final conference for all outbound students before they depart. At the conference, there is also all Inbounds, Rotex and Rebounds of the Exchange Program. It was just this past weekend. This conference was not like any that I have yet experienced. Instead of Rotarians out numbering students, there were few Rotarians, with students galore! It was definitely a sight to see. If you were to name a country, there would most likely be someone there.

At this conference, we did not just have the students from our district. We had all students who belonged to the central states group, this included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and parts of Canada (Ontario). As you could suspect, this conference was quite large. During the conference, we attended various sessions that talked from a range of things.  For example, we had a conference that talked all about the anxieties of things, whereas at another session we talked about travel arrangements. When the conference was over, we became very well rounded in what we were in for.

My districts Inbounds, outbounds, and rebounds!

Luckily, at this conference I had my dad with me. It was great to spend the weekend with him. There were parts of the weekend where parents and students had to split, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to have him at my side.

After we had spent the day at various sessions, there was a dance party, and pool time for all students. It was a great time to spend time with students from Germany. I learned a lot from all of them! I learned that Hamburg is a great city for traveling, and it has a artistic side to the city. I was very excited when I heard this! I cannot wait to get involved with whatever programs there may be available.

Of course, this conference represented the departure of all of the wonderful outbound exchange students from my district. It was difficult to say goodbye to them, but I know that I will see them soon. Even if I have to travel across the world! J

 

  

          The conference holds a variety show every year. I sporadically decided to join last minute. They held auditions, and I was selected. It was a great experience, and the crowd was wonderfully energetic. I really enjoyed it!

The entire cast of the Variety Show

Overall, this was a great conference. I am so fortunate to have spent time with the amazing people I met through Rotary. After seeing how everyone’s adventure went, I cannot wait to have my own.

Rebound= Students who have just returned from exchange.

Inbound= Students who are currently in our US/Canada on exchange

Rotex = Students that have been on exchange previously.

Yesterday, I went out to lunch with Zuzia (she leaves Friday). It was great to spend time with her before she leaves. It was hard to say goodbye, but she is so close to Germany I hope I will be given the chance to see her at least once!