Page 6 - Connections Issue 3 Winter 2020

“The year that was…” by Ana Rogatti, Youth Exchange Student

Hi all!
My name is Ana, I’m from Brazil D4510 and I am being hosted
by the Rotary Club of Port Pirie.
My year here in South Australia has been one of the greatest
and most difficult years of my life. I’ve met wonderful
Inbounds, Outbounds, Rotarians and locals, made friends out
of strangers; done hikes in National Parks and walks on
various beaches; donated my hair; learned how to do
embroidery during isolation; visited heaps of different places
from Port Lincoln to Deep Creek; tried the most different foods
like oysters and kangaroo meat; gone fishing and crabbing
lots of times (sometimes we can’t even catch a single fish/
crab); learned how to cook Australian and Brazilian dishes;
seen Paul Kelly live in Glenelg singing ‘How to Make Gravy’.
Although, I do feel homesick sometimes, but I’ve learned (and
I’m still learning) how to focus on warm and positive energy, making me, every day, a better
person, more confident and happier.
And one of the most important things I’ve learned here: every person is different in
appearance and personality, but we all share the same dream of living the best of life and
enjoying every second.
Thank you for all your support and engagement in this amazing program.
Ana

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