February is world understanding month. Its difficult, however, to understand others if you can't comprehend the words they use. But once you learn another language, a new world opens. You can read newspapers and understand more movies. You can learn more about people's lives, their culture and even laugh at their jokes. And most importantly, you'll always know when someone is talking about you in an elevator =). Imagine how your life might be better if you added another language to it. Then imagine how our world would be better if we all knew another native tongue.
If you have ever studied a second language or traveled to another country, you know how hard it can be to express yourself. Thanks to
Rotary, communicating is getting easier.
A long time ago, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity experience. Thanks to wonderful parents that brought me to a new world full of memories, travelling and adventure.
After graduating from high school, I headed for Finland as an exchange student. It was a year full of happy and wonderful memories. Not to mention the sad, lonely and drunken moments.hehe. I had a lot of first time experiences there.
* I know what you are thinking =). not that one.you ha, very naughty! hehe.* I had my first taste of alcohol.well, not really first but was very drunk. My friends were laughing at me since i can't walk straight, kept falling down on the snow and was laughing obnoxiously. I also had my first foreigner bf. he was a canadian but it only lasted for 3 days.hahaha. We were never friends after that. hah!Kids! =). I also had my first downhill ski which was very scary and overwhelming. I had my first train ride, first sauna, first ice swimming, first skinny dipping. I probably did almost everything that was outrageous. But still the filipino in me was still present and knew my boundaries. I was also published in a local newspaper where i was ice swimming. It was what they call "Avanto". First, you go into the sauna for a few minutes then you run into the nearest lake where you dip yourself for a few seconds or minutes then run back inside the sauna. After doing that, you feel your body so relax, pampered and floating =).
What makes it more exciting though, was that i learned the language so well. I even get to tell a joke in Finnish. I also understood every word they were saying so they were very careful when they were around me =).
Learning new languages is very exciting if you really are interested to learn it. And it's also different when you are in their country. You ge to practice it everyday with the locals. It is quite hard at first.But the easiest way to learn one is to take classes. Before you know it, you are slowly making an impression of speaking it fluently. And the feeling is heaven!=) .I, for a fact, took Finnish classes and it wasn't that long that i commended and congratulated myself for a job well done.
Being a Rotex is a whole lot of experience. It makes you independent, responsible and makes room for improving oneself. You get to know your strengths, weaknesses,capabilities, talents and so much more. Plus, you get to know a lot of different and new people.Ofcourse, travelling to neighboring countries is a plus. That is one advantage when you are in Europe. I have travelled to Russia, Sweden, Denmark,Amsterdam,Belgium,Germany,France, Austria and Italy. I don't mean to brag but if you ever travelled to these countries, there is really something to talk about and share it to people. These countries are so beautiful and amazing.How i wish i could do it again and this time with my hubby. You get to have friends from around the world. If given the opportunity again, i would go back to Finland and visit my host families and friends. Maybe in the future.God willing. and maybe do a eurotour as well. Who would pass an opportunity like that?! =)
To end this entry, no other student could understand Rotex but a fellow Rotex only.
Gut-feeling
Lately, i feel something out of the ordinary that i just don't quite understand. I'm feeling something big and good is about to come my way. I hardly have these premonitions but i feel that right now, i am waiting for something. Like it was saying to me like "you just have to wait a little longer. this will change your life" or something like that. I don't want to expect anything or assuming anything for that matter. All i know is that I am waiting for something. I just really don't know what it is. I hope it is for the better and not for the worse. But 1 thing is for sure though, it is everyday that i wake up and feel something exciting throughout the day. I just feel so darn good! Thank You Lord!
Anyways, I hope i did'nt ruin this gut feeling by telling all of you who are reading this. They say that if you have something unsure yet, just keep it to yourself first or you'll regret it. Yikes! But, it is only gut-feeling and nothing is involve yet. Am i right? Oh well....
