Sergio Neto, from Londrina, Brazil, gave a fascinating Zoom presentation to Medina Sunrise Rotary about his experiences and adventures as a Senior at Medina High School with the Rotary Youth Exchange Student Program.
“During my Youth Exchange Year in Medina, I was proud to be a representative of my country, my family, and of Rotary," said Sergio. "The experience of following in my father's footsteps, who himself was an exchange student, has humbled me and filled me with an appreciation for every person, every friendship, and every opportunity which has come into my life. Every day became a new opportunity and a new adventure, which I happily shared with my new friends, teachers, coaches, Rotarians, and my Rotary host families -- the Vogelgesang and Takacs Families.
As my understanding of the English language and Medina grew, I dreamed of continuing my education and life here in Ohio. Along with other graduating Medina high school seniors, I sent in applications to colleges in America. My family in Brazil and Medina celebrated with me when I told them that I had received an acceptance letter from the University of Toledo - College of Engineering, which offers a co-op program, possibilities for entrepreneurship and commercialization, and hands-on opportunities for community engagement toprepare students to be practicing engineers and leaders in their fields. I shall enter the chemical engineering program as a freshman this August.
I learned always to say, "Obrigado -Thank you. Thank you to my parents. Thank you to my teachers and friends. And thank you to Rotary for helping make my dreams come true!"
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Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a Rotary International student exchange scholarship program for students in secondary school. Since 1929, Rotary International has sent highly qualified young people around the globe to experience new cultures and be youth ambassadors of their local communities. Currently, about 9,000 students are sponsored by Rotary clubs every year. Rotary is a fully accredited member of CSIET - Council of Standards for International Student Exchange.
