My deepest regards go to you  for giving me the opportunity of a life time. Your work is well appreciated. Honestly with out this year I would not be the individual that I am now. I am deeply blessed by people like you that work so hard to give us students so much. I returned yesterday night to Miami International, after going to my sisters graduation ceremony in Cornell Ithaca NY. I am sure you remember that that was the deal with my parents, when I got excepted to the Rotary exchange program last year. It was no problem for me to go but I had to return for my sisters college graduation ceremony. So do not worry I am home safely, but that is not what this e-mail is truly about. This e-mail is to thank you, from the bottom of my hart for all that you do for students like me. YOU WILL TRULY NEVER KNOW WHAT THIS EXPERIENCE MEANT TO ME AS A STUDENT, AND AN INDIVIDUAL.

This year in the begging was hard and actually at times testing. In more then one way this year made me question, allot about my self spiritually, emotionally, and in  all different ways, as a person, child, adult, woman and individual. I questioned cultures politics, family, and friendship. I was put in to situations that were adventurous, sad, some times boring. I realize in the end Rotary exchange students are a breed of their own they are strong, because of the challenges they have and carry with grace and dignity, for the mistakes and the courage to take the chance of a life time.

A chance many would not dare to take. I am honored to be a part of this group. For all of those other exchange students that took the challenge and represented district 6990, for the students that took the challeng as individually to leave homes, families, and what I call the easy protective life. For those who represent them selves with honor and dignity I am proud to be in the same group with you.  

I learned lessons this year that I thought would never have to be taught, I learned that the world does not revolve around me, nor anyone else, that chances need to be taken, that every body fails some times and that it is ok as long as you keep trying, and learn. I learned that the way we live is not always right. There are people in this world that have lessons to teach us if we just learn to except and not judge, for any reason. 

Most importantly I have found my self, and a wonderful culture and language I will cherish for ever, I have made friendships, and found a family that took care of me for nine and a half months and deep in my hart are my family too. I lived with five children from the ages of ten to eighteen, with two parents that were as strong in being my parents as my real ones. I had bad times, I had culture shocks, and language barriers, but it was more then worth it. In the end I learned a fluent language, I visited over six countries, had great grads in school, met real friends that stuck through thick and thin, discovered the peace with in. Thank you from the bottom of my hart for giving me the key to the world.

Ursula Prado