The Citizen, 2005-10-20, Page 30PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2005.
Exchange student grateful for experience
Baek home
Kali Alcorn, 18, from Brussels was able to
take part in an exchange program through
the Lions Club in Brussels to stay with a
family in Finland. (Heather Crawford photo)
By Kali Alcorn
What did you do this summer?
Did you travel? Did you do
anything new and exciting?
Well, my summer consisted of all
that and more. 1 did things I’ve
never done before and ate things
I've never dreamed of eating. I took
a ship across the Gulf of Bothnia to
Sweden and much, much more.
1 am an 18-vear-old student in my
fifth and final year at F.E. Madill
Secondary School in Wingham. I
live outside Brussels and I would
like to share my experience of this
summer with the community.
I travelled to Finland through the
Lions youth exchange, thanks to the
Brussels Lions Club.
1 was first introduced to the Lions
youth exchange by my mother, who
had participated in the exchange
when she was my age, travelling to
Plainsview, Texas. She helped me to
realize how great an opportunity the
program is and persuaded me to
apply. I was accepted and before I
knew it I was making flight
arrangements and packing my
suitcase.
Although Finland wasn’t on my
top three list of places to go, I am
quite open to anything and was
delighted to travel there. Prior to my
departure. I spent the majority of
my time working two jobs to attain
the finances I felt I needed for the
trip
It was amazing how quickly my
departure date arrived. Before 1
knew it 1 was wandering around
Helsinki (capital of Finland),
speechless, jet lagged,
a little stunned and left
accepting the fact that I
was almost halfway
across the world all by
myself.
During my Hight it
was the strangest thing
to watch the sun rise
over the ocean horizon
at midnight and it was a
big reminder that I was
far away from home.
Of course I did not
sleep at all on the
flight; nine hours of
fidgeting, opening and
closing the blind on my
window, watching
movies, listening to the
corny airplane music
stations and asking the
woman beside me. who
was Finnish, numerous
questions.
My flight landed at
10 a.m. Finland time,
which is 3 a.m. our
time. I was a total
zombie and I am so
thankful that they
arranged for someone
to meet me at the
airport and help me to
get on the train.
The girl who was
there to greet me was fantastic and
she -showed me much of Helsinki.
After a strange four-hour train ride I
was to meet my host family in a city
called Seinajoki. My host family
was great right from the start and I
fell in love with them almost
immediately.
Of course one of my biggest
obstacles to overcome was the
language barrier. Finnish was quite
complicated for me. I was placed jn
the position where 1 really didn’t
have another Choice but to learn,
however, as my host family did not
speak English. The mother spoke
broken English.
It was great though because it was
such a good learning experience
and it helped me realize how
quickly you can catch on to other
languages when you are placed in
that environment.
Finland is a very beautiful and
untouched country with much
wildlife. The scene there is very
much like that of Northern Ontario;
trees and lakes but not as much rock
there as here.
Although the landscape is
comparable there are still so many
differences about everything. One
major difference is the hours of
daylight Finland has. In the peak of
summer there are approximately 20
hours sunlight and I believe it is
opposite for the winter.
The Finnish sauna is very popular
and almost everyone has one. It is
very different from saunas in
Canada so if you are ever in Finland
make sure you try a traditional
Finnish sauna.
My time with my host family was
amazing but with the Lions youth
exchange for the last week or so of
your stay in your host country, you
must attend a camp. I was very sad
to leave my host family but I was
soon to realize that my trip was only
going to get better.
The camp was by far one of the
most memorable times of my life.
There were 30 of us who attended
camps. from 22 different
countries.
During our camp stay we had
many activities and outings each of
the nine days we were there. We all
kept very busy but we also had
much spare time to mix and mingle.
The camp location was secluded
and beautiful right on the lake. I
made so many friendships that will
last a long time.
My experience of Finland was a
life-changing one. Travelling to a
foreign country and seeing
differences only helped to expand
my knowledge as well as make me
more appreciative of my culture and
country. 1 am curious and interested
in travelling to other countries to
experience more.
1 not only appreciate my country
more but I appreciate people and
organizations that focus on
bettering communities and
providing opportunities for people
such as myseif.
1 am at a loss of words for how
thankful I am to have been a part of
the Lions youth exchange and I
have realized more, what
organizations such as the Lions
Club are devoting their time and
efforts to.
The Lions youth exchange
program is such a great opportunity.
It not only broadens your horizons
but it truly helps you to take pride in
your own country and culture. It is
the experience of a lifetime and it’s
really a great learning experience.
I would like to take this
opportunity to thank the Brussels
Lions Club and its members for
giving me this chance. Keep up the
good work!
The Brubachers of Ethel
Restaurant & Bakery
Real Home Cooking
Try our Cinnamon Buns
Mon. - Fri. 7-6:30;
Sat. 8-6:30, Sunday Closed
887-8659
at the Belgrave Community Centre
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH
9:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M.
Prizes for best costumes.
Age of majority only. Tickets $10.00 person
Sponsored by the Belgrave Kinsmen Phone: 357-4242
50 Years
Bill & Marie Flynn
Come celebrate with us,
Sat. Oct. 29, 2005
Seaforth Community Centre
from 8-12 midnight
Music by Scott Woods Band
No gifts please - a donation to
The Town & Country Support Services
(Homemakers) if you so wish, would
he greatly appreciated.
WEDDINGS
Performed - your location or our indoor
or outdoor chapel (non-denominational)
All Christenings & Memorials
For brochure call:
Rev. CHRIS MORGAN
ALL FAITHS PASTORAL CENTRE
BENMILLER....524-5724
WEDDINGS
FLU SHOT CLINIC
for
Mark Penningtorv
(Fudgy) j
& {
Cathy Perrault ’
Saturday, Oct. 22
Brussels Community
Centre
Music by D.J.
9.00 pm to 1:00 am
Tickets $6.00 H
’• For tickets call
> 887-9858
DR. SALSBURY'S &
DR. SALTER'S PATIENTS
Wednesday, Oct 26
9:30 - noon & 2 - 5 pm
Friday, Oct 28 -*2-5 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 2 ** 2 - 5 pm
Friday, Nov. 4 -2-5 pm
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
Please wear a short sleeve shirt
e-mail: blvthinn@bellnet.ca
Sat., October 29th
Halloween Party
Dress up and come out for a fun night! Lots of Prizes!!!
Sat., November 26th
Premier Tribute to AC/DC
Back by popular demand...
Featuring Canada's Favourite Female Angus.
Sat., December 3rd
Dinner & Show - Call for details
(Zfoudt4na& 'Panty
at
Call for reservations. 523-9381
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS ~ Kids eat free
THURSDAY NIGHTS - Wing Night
FRIDAY NIGHTS- Karaoke
SUNDAY NIGHTS - Roast Beef Dinner