Giulliana Moncada Vasquez arrived in August for her year on Rotary International youth exchange with minimal English skills.
But she had Rotary experience, as president of the Interact Club at her high school in Lima, Peru. And she had taken the risk of coming to another country for a year of high school, to live with three host families, to attend high school (at Lincoln), and to be part of the Portland Pearl Rotary Club.
After hearing her required speech to the club March 2, Pearl Rotarians may unanimously pronounce her exchange successful. With a command of English, with poise and humor, and with an impressive Powerpoint, Giulliana brought pictures of her Lima family, school, volunteerism and friendships to the Ecotrust conference room setting.
Her first six months here have been “great…my life has changed totally.” She cited her joining the Lincoln High School racquetball team and advancing in tournaments as a new discovery in her life (she’s 18, having marked birthday in American last September).
She admitted being scared initially, of the language, of the people. But that has been replaced with a very evident confidence, as she spoke to Rotarians.
“I have four months left. I don’t want to come back to Peru. I think I’ll change my visa!”