Naomi's RYE Experience

Posted on Oct 30, 2018
I want to begin by just saying what an honour it was to have been chosen as the Red Deer Rotary Sunrise Outbound Exchange Student. This past year was such an amazing adventure and has been one of the best years of my life. I want to say thank you to the Red Deer Rotary Sunrise Club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to go on this exchange to Finland.
The past year has not only been an amazing adventure but also such an amazing learning experience. Before I left for exchange I was a shy and unsure young girl, but through the year I learned what it means to be independent and to believe in myself.

I have created friendships which I know will last a lifetime,  and I have gained new family as well. The friendships that I made with the other exchange students have opened doors worldwide, I am happy to say that those friends are like brothers and sisters to me as we experienced the exchange year together, being there for each other no matter what happened, and being an encouraging group to turn to when we have felt homesick or any other struggle which one might face on exchange. My friends in Finland have become such important people in my life, people who helped me to learn more about myself and who helped me in the tough task of learning Finnish. We went on amazing adventures and have grown closer over practices for Wanhat and whole days of baking Finnish treats. I look forward to meeting with these influential people in my life again someday, hopefully soon.

This exchange was not simply a year abroad for me, it was a humbling experience which I am so grateful for I don’t think that words can ever express just how thankful I am. Though the voice of the Sunrise Club was with me everyday, and the values which you have all taught me helped me in every venture of my exchange…

Of All the Things We Think, Say and Do…

  • Is it the truth?
  • Is it fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

I follow these rules everyday, because they have been so helpful for me on my exchange, and still prove to be helpful in my life now. It is because of this experience, and the wonderful men and women of Red Deer Rotary Sunrise that I have been able to take away these wonderful lessons of life, which have been both humbling and rewarding. So thank you so much again, for taking a chance on a youth like me, and making such a big impact on my life.

Naomi Forschle