On September 16th, the Grosse Pointe Rotary introduced Carlotta Perrone, also known as Lola, as the club's foreign exchange student.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is about so much more than just traveling to another country. It gives students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, experience life in a new culture, and create meaningful relationships with people from around the world. Students learn how to adapt to new environments, communicate with people from differing backgrounds, and gain a better understanding of the world. The program offers experiences that help students become more confident, independent, and open-minded to the possibilities that surround them.
Our exchange student, Lola, has been filled with new experiences and opportunities. She has been working hard to improve her English while learning about American culture and traditions. Whether that's trying chicken nuggets for the first time or searching for the best local coffee shop, she has been adapting to her new lifestyle and willing to try new things. She has been staying with a host family and getting involved in the community. Recently, she has tried out for the Grosse Pointe South Cheerleading team and is waiting to hear back from them. Although being away from her home in Italy can be challenging, having supportive people around her has helped make the experience easier and meaningful. Though her journey has just started, she shows how an exchange program can create long lasting connections and memories that can last forever.
Rotary also demonstrates how small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Welcoming an exchange student, helping someone feel comfortable in a new community, volunteering, or simply taking the time to get to know someone can make a meaningful difference in a person's life. Rotary Youth Exchange is sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries, creating opportunities for students to learn from one another and gain a greater appreciation for the different cultures that surround us.
We are the people of action. Whether it's helping a student like Lola, volunteering at community events, or finding other ways to serve, every action matters. Each step taken to improve relationships amongst one another, means a closer step towards peace within communities. By choosing to get involved and help others, we can create stronger connections that bring people together, one young person at a time.
We thank Rebecca Fannon for taking the time to update the club about Lola, and look forward to the next meeting to hear her speech!