Where does a person’s story begin? Is it when they, as a child, are first placed into their mother’s arms? Or perhaps it is before that, with the meeting of their parents. Maybe it isn’t until they say their first word. Could it be that the first chapter of their life only begins once they make their first adventure into the world?
Whenever you believe that your story began, I choose to think that my first chapter began with my birth. Sure, there is a prologue, but it isn’t a story I am familiar with. My life isn’t easily divided into years, events from one blurring into the next. My life is a story that is best divided into chapters. There is a chapter about my first dog and I’s adventures, one about my first memory in my new home and my last memory in my old one. Everyday is the opportunity for a new chapter and a new adventure in life.
Last year, sitting in the soprano section of choir, I unknowingly began what would become one of the grandest chapters of my life. I was chatting with whomever, when Madison, a girl I don’t remember meeting, ran into the room. She is my brother’s age, and I had, somewhere along the way from Monmouth Elementary School to Central High School, become friendly acquaintances with her.
I asked her what had her so excited and she told me she was accepted into Rotary Youth Exchange. I had only heard of foreign exchange in books and movies, but the idea of it fascinated me. Speaking to her that day planted a seed of wonder and curiosity that would eventually lead me to go on my own journey to Rotary.
I remember waiting until later that day and racing down to the counseling office. My counselor told me that I would have to wait until I was a sophomore and then I would have to apply and interview in order to get in. I waited and waited and waited until summer ended. I ended up being one of three applicants to be interviewed at the local rotary club’s meeting.
Finding out I was accepted was one of the most terrifying and exhilarating experiences of my life. A friend of mine was accepted as my alternate and we were both incredibly excited for our orientation. We had to wait from November to January, a measly two months that seemed like an eternity. It was then that I discovered all of the wonderful and amazing places I could go on exchange.
Later, in the fantastic month of February I went to the Eastern Oregon Discovery Tour... A ski trip. I became friends with fabulous people and I had so many firsts! I learned how to roller skate and snow board. We chose our country by 1:00 pm. It was so nerve-racking. The Rotarians made it very clear that it would be one of the biggest decisions of our life. After we chose I was sick to my stomach. I ended up chatting with some friends about Japan and how badly they wanted to go there(I was absolutely thrilled when they were selected to go to Japan).
That night Chris, the event coordinator, took us to a dance/hangout party that was meant to distract us from worrying. While we all enjoyed dancing and playing pool together(Mariah & Alexa), we were thrilled when some of the Rotarians showed up. I had just bought sugary candy and an amp and all around excited cheers erupted. There were only a few of the Rotarians there, but the knowledge that the moment we would discover our future was so close, our excited cries turned into anxious and nervous chattering.
The in-depth story of selection will be saved for another time. But in short, you choose one first choice and four alternates. After my first choice and three of my alternates passed by, my heart was ready to burst with excitement. After I filled out my ballot I began regretting my first choice, and wished I had chose according to what I want and know what I thought my family would feel safest with. Then my final alternate was coming to select. As the inbound and rebound weaved through the crowd I grew more and more anxious. My friend Emma, who had wanted the country from the beginning was selected and I cheered as loud as I could. Then they began to make their way towards me. I didn’t want to get my hopes up and I began to think that I wouldn’t get it. And then Emma, the Russian rebound told me I was selected. I couldn’t contain my excitement. I think I was laughing, crying, and screaming all at the same time. I was so sleep deprived and exhausted I fell asleep as soon as the room was cleared. That night I dreamed of my next chapter in the story that is my life.
Love,
Piffy
