Introduction of Guest Speakers – Mary Rashleigh introduced Barb Munro, who was a Rotary Exchange Student from Mary’s dad’s old Rotary Club in Preston, Ontario.

 

Guest Speaker Barb Munro:  Her name in 1969 was Barb Boost, and she went to South Africa for the 1969-1970 school year representing the Galt-Preston-Hespeler Rotary Club. She felt honored to share her experience with this club.  She had a fabulous experience, which was during the apartheid period in South Africa.  It was the opportunity of a lifetime.  She spent the first half of her time there in a tiny farming community and attended an Afrikaans school. Since she already knew German, the new language was easy for her. Once she learned the language, she was well received by her hosts and locals.  Her next posting was to a more British community.  Many doors were opened to her from this exchange.  She credits much of her success in large corporations to her experience as an exchange student. 

Question:  Did she have an option as to which country she went to? She chose from a list of countries. Her family was responsible for her travel expenses to get there and return home.  Nowadays, students can give a preference for country, but basically they are assigned to a country. 

Question: Main difference between family life here and there?  In both her posts, everyday life was very similar, all about family and being supportive.

Question: Has she kept in touch with anyone from South Africa?  She did for a number of years, but not anymore.

 

President Len thanked the speaker for her presentation and gave her a Huntsville Rotary Club banner.

 

Update from Exchange Students Jorge:  He has been here for 8 months, the time has gone very fast.  He could hardly speak English on arrival, but it is much improved now. Getting here was his first plane ride and he was very anxious, but Jamie and Lynne made him feel at home. He played hockey on roller blades in Chile, but it is not the same on skates.  He is playing soccer and basketball.  He has learned to play golf.  Sports help to give him balance.   He is loving his time here, a one-time experience in his life.

 

Rob Saunders:  Rob just returned from visiting several countries, including Croatia, where he visited with former exchange student Victor, from 2012.  Victor is now married and has a two-year old son and a new baby daughter. Victor is a professional saxophone player, has a CD out and has a rock band.