Swiss exchange student Annic Arnold with Corowa Rotary president Bill Bott AM and Rotarian Neil Davis
The weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Corowa saw 16-year-old Annic Arnold, an enthusiastic Rotary exchange student from Cham, Switzerland share her story last Wednesday evening.
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Annic’s arrival in Corowa in mid-July has brought a fresh international perspective to the community as she embarks on a year-long stay in the town.
President Bill Bott AM extended a warm welcome to Annic and introduced her as she presented about herself and her country.
With a captivating smile, Annic shared her background, her interests, and her dreams for the future. The club members were delighted to learn about her hobbies, which span a diverse range including soccer, skiing, snowboarding, golf, and her affinity for building intricate Lego creations.
Annic sharing her story at last Wednesday’s Rotary meeting.
One of Annic’s dreams is to become a doctor, reflecting her aspirations for a future where she can make a positive impact on people’s lives. She passionately expressed her excitement about spending time in Corowa and cherished the opportunity to be a part of the Australian culture and way of life.
Annic’s presentation didn’t just focus on her personal journey; she also took the audience on a virtual tour of her homeland, Switzerland. She shared insights into Switzerland’s geography, climate, and rich history, giving the attendees a glimpse into her country’s fascinating heritage.
Rotarians learnt of the differences between Australia and Switzerland including the education system. Corowa High School, where Annic is now a student, is quite different to her school back home which boasts of around 600 students. The biggest difference being the long hours from 7am to 5:30pm. Commuting to school involves a one-hour train ride each way, which Annic said makes her appreciate the laid-back pace of Corowa High School.
“I’m very excited to be in Australia and I am enjoying my time,” she said.
“I would like to thank my host family, Laurelle and Richard Van Leeuwen, and (Rotarians) Meredith Miegel, Bill Bott, and my mentor Kerrie Crawford.”
President Bill also had the honour of inducting a new member Annette Schulz into the Rotary Club on the night. Annette is a Remedial Massage Therapist. To commemorate her induction, she was presented with a bottle of the President’s muscat.
As the Rotary Club of Corowa continues to foster connections within the local and global community, Annic’s presence adds a touch of Swiss charm and international understanding to the heart of Corowa.
President Bill had the honour of inducting a new member Annette Schulz into the Rotary Club last week.
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