Here are the highlights from our September 10th, 2019 meeting.
Makayla McKinney Speaks About Her Student Exchange Experience in Brazil
Our Rotary Club has been a sponsor of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program for several years now. We have had 5 outbound students and 8 inbound. This week's guest speaker was Makayla McKinney, a 17 year-old senior from West Branch, who was the latest student our club has sponsored.
Makayla recently returned on July 25th after spending one year living and studying abroad in São José dos Campos, Brazil. She stayed with a total of five different host families.
Makayla entertained us with stories of her time in Brazil, and the culture shock she went through. Some of the highlights include:
Brazil is undergoing a continuous initiative to clean up the country, and while visiting São José dos Campos Makayla noticed the efforts throughout the city
People can pay for their bus trips with garbage. Money is not accepted.
In Brazil family comes first
Brazilian families must host exchange students, they are not given a choice
Going to the bathroom is a particular challenge if the procedure isn't explained to you in advance (it's a little different there to say the least)
"Being an exchange student is a lot of smiling and nodding even if you don't know what's happening," Makayla said. She also remarked about how Rotary has opened her eyes about foreign events and other people and their cultures.
Announcements
Oct 24th - World Polio Day
Note: For World Polio Day, in partnership with the Dow Bay Area YMCA, we will be having a "Spinathon". Volunteers are needed for this event. More details to come.
Nov 14th - Combined meeting with Morning Club for our annual Vocational Day. This year it will be hosted by Morning Rotary.
Upcoming Presentations
Sept 17th - MiCareer Quest (Pere Marquette Depot)
Sept 24th - CAN Council/ Court Appointed Special Advocate
Oct 1st - Ripples of Hope
Oct 8th - Self, Love, Beauty
Oct 22nd - YWCA of the GLBR
Oct 29th - Infuse Great Lakes Bay
Dec 17th - Holiday Program
More programs are needed. If you, or someone you know, who like to give a presentation please contact Tara, Carrie, or Paul.
Upcoming Meeting Announcements
Sept 17th - Club meeting will be held offsite at the Pere Marquette Depot
NO meetings on December 24th or 31st due to the holidays.
Upcoming Events
Nov 15th - Rotary Foundation Gala in Frankenmuth
May 1st & 2nd, 2020 - District 6310 Conference in Mt. Pleasant
June 6th through 10th, 2020 - Rotary International Convention in Honolulu, HI
Well, that's it for this addition of The New Rotary Breezes everyone!! I hope you enjoyed it!!
