February Conference

This past weekend was the second Inbound/Outbound Conference. But this time the Outbound parents came along as well. Many of us Outbounds were really anxious about finding out our future host countries, infact, we have all been waiting forever to know. Well, the conference started out with all of us gathering in this meeting room to introduce ourselves to everyone else there. But as soon as we, the Outbounds, started introducing ourselves, the man who is in charge of the conference, handed each of us a packet with the information about our HOST COUNTRIES! How amazing, right!? There is actually a story behind my country assignment. Originally, I was assigned to go to France. But shortly after I was accepted, France decided to change their rules and regulations, which unfortunately, made me uneligable to go there. And by the time the news of this got back to the Rotary back here in the states, they had to act quickly to resubmit my application to other counties with the hopes of finding a host country for me. Well as it turns out, Turkey was able to find a spot for me in district 2420, or the Istanbul area. 

Also, here is a picture of some of the Inbounds and Outbounds.

So now, I can start preparing for my once in a lifetime adventure to Istanbul, Turkey! 

Thanks for reading everyone!

--Maggie Blackwell 

Outbound Coffee Date

Today I met three of my fellow Outbounds, Kenzie, Sydney and Sophie for coffee. We were out for three hours just talking and having fun. These girls are so nice, confident and funny; I am glad to just be in the same group as them! The four of us get along so well and I had such a good time hanging out with them. There are three other Outbounds, Hannah, Erin and Nicole, but they all couldn't make it because of the weather or other plans. While we were out for coffee, we decided to shop for some lapel buttons for our Rotary Jackets (For the exchange all of the Outbounds are required to have a navy blazer that we pin buttons and other objects that we collect throughout the exchange on, sort of like a scrapbook that you can wear). I, of course, only have a few buttons on my jacket. And on top of decorating our own jackets, we have to have pins that we are supposed to trade with other students for pins from their country to then put on our jackets. Here is what my jacket looks like now:

(I'll be sure to post a picture of my jacket when it's completed so you'll be able to see the difference between now and the future) 

And in case you are wondering, I still have no idea which country I'll be going to on exchange. They told me I should find out anytime now, so just look out for updates! Thanks again for reading!

--Maggie Blackwell