Emily Bove, Michael and Reva Holmes’ exchange student from 2000 pinch it as our speaker on February 25th. Emily is originally from French Alps but now lives in Washington DC. Michael and Reva hosted seven exchange students and stayed in contact with six of them, including Emily. Emily told about her experience as an exchange student to Racine, WI, which was not her first choice. That year in Wisconsin changed her life. She had four host families. The first family was tough, but other three went well, including the Holmes’ home. They welcomed into their family. While an exchange student, Emily experienced different cultures including those of other exchange students in Wisconsin. She learned to love and live with others that are different, which is an even more important gift to give a teenager today. The exchange program led her to go into international relations and led her mother to becoming a Rotarian. Emily still works with Rotarians as she helps women and girls learn leadership skills. Emily spoke of experiences living abroad including in Indonesia after the tsunami, where she was welcomed with open arms, but people who had very little. She also told us a funny story about a nature outing with the Holmes that involved lots of ticks attacking only Emily and Reba! It sounds like being a Rotary exchange student can be a life changing experience as well as an adventure!