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.