Exchange Student Fabi leaves lasting impression

 

Chris Chedzoy gave a great introduction for our exchange student, Fabi. In addition to coordinating many of the requirements of having Fabi as an exchange student, Chris and his wife Nancywere her host family for several months this year. Rotary International sponsors approximately 20,000 exchange students annually, so Fabi is in good company.

 

 

 

Fabiana Zelada, or Fabi, as we know her, is from Bolivia, and gave us an emotional thank you and farewell for her stay with us this year. Jeff and Caryn Talarico were her initial host family, and introduced her to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, among many other things. Jonas and Leslie Titas were another host family, and she enjoyed Christmas with both their families, got to hunt down and cut a Christmas tree and went to SXSW Musical Festival in Austin. Fabi also stayed with the Alverez-Chedzoy family, and instantly had five younger siblings She was introduced to Easter egg hunts (chocolate) and got to go to the Tivy prom.  

 

Other memories for her were American football, playing soccer for Tivy, making great friends, visiting Fiesta Texas, ice skating in Fredericksburg, seeing the Riverwalk in San Antonio, meeting lots of other exchange students, and a 5k walk/run in Austin. She would love to come back to America and go to college, but first she wil finish high school at home in November, and then see what happens.

 

It's safe to say there weren't many dry eyes in the audience when she finished. She is a great example of how an exchange student reminds us of the great things that Rotary does, and should be an inspiration for our club to sponsor future students.