Letter from our 2011/2012 Exchange Student, Lily Westphal

 

Hello hello!

In case this message reaches someone who doesn't know: my name is Lily Westphal and I was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Denmark 2011/12!
I was inspired to write to you from Ecuador where I am currently studying Spanish and traveling for the next few months.

Since my exchange I have bought many plane tickets. My heart has pulled me in many different directions and towards many different countries. It all started with a flight four years ago. I left the Anchorage airport (in tears after saying goodbye to my family for the first time) only to arrive in Billund, DK two days later, my first passport stamp. In my travels since exchange I have realized exactly how strong the network of exchange students truly is. It is so special that no matter what country I am in I have friends. I receive messages from people I have not seen or talked to in for years who are offering their homes, advice, and company. Open home and open hearts! The people I meet continue to redefine the meaning of both family and friend. The human relationships almost outgrow the experience of exchange itself. It is the people I meet who leave footprints in my heart I could never erase. Exchange gave me my first opportunity to explore who I wanted to be in relation to a global community. Learning to be Lily has been the process of learning to know the world through its expansions, contractions, flavors, and many faces. Exchange was the beginning of my intercultural understanding - and understanding that has been deepened and strengthened through my solo travels to Myanmar, India, Thailand, Chile, and now Ecuador.

This is why I will forever be a cheerleader for YOUTH exchange. I am so unbelievably grateful to have received the opportunity to experience cultural immersion at such a young(er) age! It has absolutely changed the way I move through the world.

I just wanted to send a message thanking the Rotary Club of Homer- Kachemak Bay for the opportunity! Four years later, I still consider RYE the best decision I've ever made.

Thank you thank you thank you!

I hope everyone has a wonderful winter!

Lily

 

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