Hello-Hallo

Wilkommen to my blog!

Here's a brief introduction to me and the stories you'll be reading from me throughout the year.

I live in Portland, Oregon, the City of Roses, one of the best cities on earth, I think.

I was ready to continue my high school education at Grant High School, in September 2013, with all my friends, but along the way plans changed and my life is about to take an extreme turn, instead I will be spending junior year in Graz, Austria as a Rotary exchange student!

The thought of leaving everything I know behind; my family, the greatest group of friends known to mankind, and this wonderful city is absolutely freighting. But at the same time it’s like Christmas, when you spot the biggest present under the tree but can’t open it, so you just look at it and think about what might be inside.

I applied to be an exchange student through my Local Rotary Club of Downtown Portland, at the beginning of my Sophomore year, I was accepted, and it seems like the next day I was being told "You're going to Austria!” I remember not even knowing how to feel. What do I know about Austria? It's where the von Trapps lived. Thats pretty awesome. It's like the classical center of the world! This is good. And there will be tasty food there, OK let's go!  And my excitement continues to grow exponentially as I learn more and more about my soon-to-be home.

There are a lot of people who have been involved with my exchange so far and I thank each and every one of them for their support and love that give me the confidence to take this great leap. My mom especially, who has been there for me forever, helping me grow and always supporting me in everything I do and also just being someone I can be silly around. Thanks mom you’re the best!

I have my amazing Rotary club who sponsored me and the wonderful Youth Exchange Committee members of district 5100 to thank for their worldly advice in helping me help myself make this the best year I can.

Honestly the list goes on and on, but I guess I should stop talking, so I'll leave with this: "Life changing." That seems to be the unanimous description for what I'm about to do and I can't wait to experience it. Soon I will be settling down into life in Austria. New family, new friends, new language. This is going to be the most challenging thing I’ve done with my life so far and I’m ready to take it on!

 You haven't heard the last of me,

Sam