A couple weeks ago, my parents and I met with my school’s guidance councilor. At the meeting, we arranged my schedule to support rotary in eleventh grade. I am taking eleventh grade English so that if I go on rotary, I can come back and take AP English. Also, I’m not taking P.E. so that I can fit as many classes in as possible. This way, I can fit as many classes in as possible. Aside from the extra English class, my other courses are pretty basic: English 10, Trigonometry, Chemistry, Global II, Band, Choir, and French III.
About a week ago, I got an email from our district’s chair person, inviting me and the other interested students to a rotary picnic. It will give us a chance to meet with people who have gone, people who are going, and people like ourselves who are interested. Although I haven’t gotten it yet, my application is due in about a month. This means that my family and I now have to think seriously about applying. Although I’m ready to go and can’t wait to apply, my parents are a little more careful in their thinking. They’re worried about me going at age 15, which is how old I will be in eleventh grade. Also, I have RSD, a nerve malfunction in my arm. They’re worried about sending me away with my arm in bad condition. So, I’m trying to convince them that I am mature enough to go…. and trying to get my arm better at the same time. I have a year to do both though, so I’m in okay shape.
I believe last time I wrote, I was interested in Australia and Italy. I’ve ruled Australia out since then, because linguistics is such an amazing thing that comes out of rotary. And as you know, English is the primary language spoken in Australia. I still have my eye on Italy, although it’s a very competitive slot to get. India is another country I’m looking at right now. India is a rising country at the time; you can’t open a New York Times without seeing at least one article on India. Their foreign policies and cultural ways will be very important for me to understand during my life, especially if I want to go into politics or foreign affairs. I’m hoping that Costa Rica will be an option when I apply for rotary. I have always wanted to speak Spanish, but I take French in school. Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country, plus it’s just plain beautiful. And it’s a relatively safe place– it doesn’t even have an army, so I doubt it will be at war any time soon. But I’m still keeping an open mind and considering different countries all the time.
Well, I will be in touch. I’m going to camp for a week but then I’ll be back. The picnic is in two weeks, so I’ll have a lot to write about after that. Until then…..
Posted by rotarygirl 