First I had to go through an application/interview process and I was the only candidate selected from Cambridge to go on the exchange! It was a long week of waiting for that one phone call to say that I was accepted, but it was truly a great feeling once my mom surprised me with the news, although I didn't believe her at first!
On Friday I went to the first Orientation Weekend in Bolton where I met the other outbound students from the 7080 District, one inbound from Finland, three rebounds, and many very important Rotarians involved with the RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange). On Friday we did some introductory activities and then were billeted with a host family for the night. On Saturday we got down to the hard stuff! All the outbounds went through a couple interviews and evaluations throughout the day, but the Rotarians made sure it was also a fun sort of "get-to-know-everyone" day! Overall it was a great first weekend and I was so happy to finally meet the other outbounds just like me who are starting on this great journey!
Usually the first question I always hear when I tell people that I'm going on a RYE is "where are you going?" Well the answer to that is I find out on February 21st!! So let the countdown begin!
Lyndsay
