As of now I can officially say that I have seen each eco-zone of Ecuador: the coast, Andes, the Amazon, and my new favorite, the Galapagos Islands!
My trip to the islands concluded my series of trips with the other exchange students throughout the country. We stayed on the Island of Santa Cruz in a hotel that was nothing special, but we didn't spend much time there anyway. Most people go to Galapagos on a cruise ship to see all of the islands, but we really only got to see Santa Cruz. This island is the most populated out of the 13 large islands, six small islands and 42 islets. In all, there is a population of 18,000.
Throughout the trip, we saw different species of animals. The gigantic turtles are probably the most famous, and some are 150 years old. We also saw pelicans, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas and huge crabs. That was just above water!
I went snorkeling twice and found myself swimming in the middle of schools of fish, and there was even a shark down below. They assured us there was nothing to be afraid of. People aren't allowed to touch any of the animals, but they are all fearless of humans and friendly. The water was always crystal clear, which is different from any other body of water I've seen in Ecuador, because the pollution is so bad. There were cacti everywhere too, which were so strange to see right next to water. A trip to The Galapagos Islands is truly a trip to paradise.
At the end of March I also had visitors. My parents came down for about eight days, and I tried to show them everything I could in that short amount of time. We had a blast, and it was so fun to see them interact with my host family. Language was certainly a barrier, but translating wasn't too difficult for me. By the end of the trip it seemed like my dad and my host dad were best buds.
My time here is quickly coming to an end. I want to take the opportunity to thank the North Andover Rotary Club for sponsoring me for my exchange year in Ecuador. I also want to encourage more high school kids to consider spending a year in another country for this program to continue to grow. It gave me the opportunity to learn a new language and culture, as well as to build relationships I believe will last a lifetime. I feel as if I have a second family in Portoviejo, and it is difficult to think about leaving them soon because even when I do come back to visit, I'll never get to experience the same dynamic with them again.
Someone who makes the courageous decision to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program is already proving that they are ready to step out of their comfort zone and into a completely unknown world. As excited as I was, I won't deny the fear I had letting go of my family and several hours later becoming part of a new one.
Living in a Third World country where 80 percent live in poverty was just about as opposite to my life in North Andover as possible. In the first few months I struggled a lot, trying to adapt and make new friends despite the language barrier. There is no doubt that some days I wished I were home, but I think that is a phase that every exchange student goes through, and it is what one does with that feeling that determines what is made out of the rest of the experience. For me, my turning point occurred when I changed host families in early December. I felt a much more natural connection with my second host family, which I didn't realize was missing until I moved out of my first house. Before I knew it, I was really enjoying myself, going out a lot more, and the months were literally flying by. Now here I am about to move back to North Andover and begin the readjustment stage all over again!
Have I changed as a person from this experience? I think so. I am definitely more open to trying new and unfamiliar things. I am more aware of my surroundings, and there is a lot in my life that I am now extra-grateful for, having seen some pretty disturbing examples of poverty. And let's not forget the Spanish! Before I left, my Spanish skills were, well, pretty much non-existent. Now I am able to tell what part of Ecuador someone is from by their accent.
It is an amazing opportunity to live in another part of the world, and this is a great age to do it. I have no regrets. Even though not every moment was easy, I believe everything happens for a reason. And the good experiences I've had are indescribable and absolutely unforgettable.
Most people participate in this program between sophomore year up to the year after high school graduation. I am glad I chose the year after my senior year because I didn't have to worry about transferring credits for school. A few countries have specific age requirements, but for the most part, students are usually between 15 and 18 when they leave. The application process started in November, where anyone interested attended an interview with Rotarians. By January, we found out where we would be going; in March I heard from my first of two host families. (The average number of host families is three, but it varies on the country.) In May there was an orientation at Camp Rotary in Boxford with all of the other students preparing to leave, and on Aug. 16, 2007, I was off! A lot of people say that this is a three-year exchange experience. The months beforehand, anticipating and preparing for the departure, the actual time spent in another country, and then the time it takes to readjust.
Rotary has done a wonderful job with organizing the program, and I really appreciate the efforts made to ensure the comfort and safety of all of the exchange students, both sent out and welcomed in. I have had an incredible exchange in the diverse country of Ecuador. I had no idea what to expect when I stepped off that plane, but I am so glad I made the decision to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely new. I hope people have enjoyed reading my articles, and next year I hope to be reading someone else's!
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Maura Daly, a North Andover teenager, spent the past 10 months in Ecuador through the Rotary international youth exchange program. For more information on the program visit www.rotary.org
