Posted by Chantelle Meriam on Oct 02, 2017

My Rotary Exchange to Brazil!

Hello future youth exchangers! My name is Bailey Johnson. I went to Sao Paulo, Brazil on exchange for the years of 2015/2016. I am a Summerland Secondary School graduate, I graduated in the Class of 2017, and I am currently writing this letter from the University of British Columbia where I am studying Nutritional Sciences!
 
First things first; my exchange changed my life. I was only in Grade 10; 15 years old, andI made a huge life changing decision to apply for the Rotary Youth exchange. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! As I went through the interview process, and was chosen to represent the Summerland Rotary Club as an outbound exchange student, I started the long process of discovering myself. Even before I left for Brazil I was able to attend orientations and meet life long friends, and develop a larger group of friends that share a common mindset and motivation to change the world!
 
 
An exchange can be terrifying and will force you to step out of your comfort zone - but please do not let this hold you back. When I arrived in Sao Paulo, I could not speak a WORD of Portuguese and had no way to communicate with my peers around me. This was really tough! But as I grew and learned how to fend for myself in such a different and foreign land, I gained independence and maturity…which has had long-lasting positive effects - especially in University. An exchange is a completely different experience for every exchange student. I went from a very developed country (Canada), to living in the slums of one of the most dangerous cities in an undeveloped country. Although it is likely that your exchange will not entail THAT drastic of a change, I wouldn’t change anything. My experiences in Brazil made me grow an appreciation and respect for my home country. It made me gain a perspective of what the world contains, and the motivation to change it. I met some of the best people I know. People that have so little, but live everyday with so much life. It motivated me to study hard and attend post secondary school. It showed me how lucky Canadians are to have the quality of education that we do. There are so many opportunities and privileges that we are entitled in Canada; I promise you will also have this realization once you return from your exchange as well.
 
Even though the same girl that went on exchange, was the one who returned, my mindset, my perspective, my goals, my ambitions, my opinions, and so many drastic life changing characteristics about my personality changed. I matured an incredible amount over my exchange period. I can’t imagine the type of person I would be without my exchange. I am very proud of who I have become, and I worked hard to get to the place where I am. I know going forward in life, I will be able to use my experiences in all aspects of my life. Whether that be in university, in my personal relationships, or simple things such as knowing how to survive in a foreign country!
 
Please make the decision to change your life. My exchange was the absolute best thing I could have done in my life. It gave me so many opportunities and international
connections. I can fluently speak Portuguese, and it played a huge part in my acceptance to one of the BEST universities in the world (within top 40). Changing your life and your understanding of normal is terrifying. But there are very few things that separate the normal from the great. By choosing to participate in exchange, you will change every aspect of who you are, your beliefs, and your life. Having fear is normal, but the best thing you can do it choose to ignore it. You have such an amazing life ahead of you! Make the best out of every moment - learn, grow, and have fun!!!!!
 
P.S. Please feel free to contact me regarding exchange. I am currently at university but will gladly email you as much as I am able! I loved exchange, and I LOVE talking about exchange.
 
Please do not hesitate, as I know you will be very curious!
Email: bailey.johnson@alumni.ubc.ca