My country group at the third orientation. 

The first two girls are going to Peru,

 the next one is me and another girl 

we are both going to Colombia,

and the next two are going to Chile.

Me and a few Rotex (people who have gone on exchange and are now back) after the my third orientation.

Me and the other two people from my town. 

The other girl is going to Germany and the guy is going to Spain.

I just finished up my junior year at Owatonna High School, although I could have graduated this year because I am ahead in all my classes. I have been accepted to be a Youth Ambassador through Northstar Rotary Youth Exchange; I am going to study abroad next year in Santa Marta, Colombia, South America, for the whole school year. Northstar Rotary Youth Exchange is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers.  I am doing this to learn a new language, experience a new culture, and meet new people. I will also be going to school during my stay. I will stay with two or three host families.

Colombia was my number one choice. I choose it mainly because I am a dancer and Colombia is known for dance. During my stay I hope to learn a traditional dance that we don't have here. I also want to learn how to salsa dance.

Volunteering is very important to me. In the last year I have volunteered at two daycares, trained and taken care of dogs through the animal rescue, helped at a retreat, fed homeless men through Catholic Charities, talked about my family's adoption to people looking into adoption, and many other activities. I enjoy giving back to my community. When I get back I am going to give informational speeches on Colombia to both the Owatonna High School and St. Mary’s School Spanish classes.

When I graduate from high school, I want to go to college and major in fashion design. I also want to continue working with some sort of charity. In five years I want to be working in the fashion business with a bachelor’s degree. I want to study the fashion styles while in Colombia. The fashion in Colombia will give me a better world view.