"What I've Learnt" by returning Youth Exchange student Kimberely Konisberry

Kimberley with her mother & President Garry

Returning from 12 months in Finland as the Rotary Club of Glen Eira's Youth Exchange Student, Kimberley Konisberry told us of the massive change from 30 degree temperatures in Australian summer to minus 28 and 3 hours of daylight upon her arrival in Finland last year.

We heard of the great rewards youth exchange can bring plus the challenges it forces young people to face. We also saw first hand the maturity that a year abroad can bring.

In Kimberley's own words, here is "What I've Learnt":

Kimberley with Past President Adrian Nelson - what a jacket! 

I’ve learnt that saying good-bye is never really easy.

I’ve learnt that when somebody offers you something, you accept it gratefully.

I’ve learnt when somebody says, “Make yourself at home”, you do.

I’ve learnt that for other people, it’s not so easy to step outside their comfort zones.

I’ve learnt another language, one that I never thought I would learn.

I’ve learnt lessons, that I was almost certain I already knew.
I’ve learnt what it means to become self-reliant.

I’ve learnt the responsibilities parents have, because I’ve had to be my own.

I’ve learnt that buying junk food for lunch, because it’s quick and easy, is not always ideal.

I’ve learnt to consider all my options before deciding.

I’ve learnt that image isn’t everything, although first impressions matter a lot.

I’ve learnt to listen to people, and learn from them, instead of just talking and blocking everybody else out.

I’ve learnt that teachers are in fact people, and can become your friends.

I’ve learnt to trust my gut feeling more, and that it’s generally correct.

I’ve learnt to outgrow jealousy and to instead admire the qualities in people, which I myself, do not own.

I’ve learnt to accept another culture into my life, and allow it to become a part of who I now am.

I’ve learnt that body language and facial expressions play an important role in understanding people.

I’ve learnt to find beauty, it the most outrageously mundane things, like an autumn tree in preparation for winter.

I’ve learnt that frozen lakes, aren’t actually that cold when you jump in them, because you can’t feel anything.

I’ve learnt to trust people I’ve just met, and allow my safety to be in their hands.

I’ve learnt to laugh at myself, even more so than usual.

I’ve learnt that it’s pointless to have fears and that they indeed hold you back.

I’ve learnt to accept people into my life, treat them like I would my sister, and then say good-bye the following day.

I’ve learnt that saying “I’ll see you soon”, is one of the biggest lies ever told.

Banner of the Rotary Club of Jalasjarvi, Finland

I’ve learnt that no other family can really replace your own, although, they can become another family that you’re a part of.

I’ve learnt that sometimes it’s important to put your own feelings aside, and put all your energy into making sure that everybody else are okay.

I’ve learnt to admit my worries as soon as they occur, and that there is no real point in trying to hide them.

I’ve learnt that not everyone wants to be your friend.

I’ve learnt what frustration is, and how to deal with it. More so, the frustration of not understanding, and not being understood.

I’ve learnt that charades is a universal language and game.

I’ve learnt how to sleep, just about anywhere.

I’ve learnt that money isn’t needed to have a good time.

I’ve learnt that materialistic things don’t really matter at all when it comes down to it.

I’ve learnt to appreciate Australia more, and how lucky I am to live here.

I’ve learnt how lazy we are, compared to other nations.

I’ve leant that it’s okay to be different, and that no one person is actually the same.

I’ve learnt to find humour in serious situations.

I’ve learnt not to worry too much, and that things often have a way of fixing themselves.

I’ve learnt that age is not a set-back, but it is a major divider.

I’ve learnt to grow-up, in some situations, against my own will.

I’ve learnt that a smile can get you pretty far.

I’ve learnt that even walking in -23 degrees, you can get hot.

I’ve learnt that the sky looks different at night and so does the sunset, in different places.

I’ve learnt more history then I ever have in school, by either travelling, or talking to international students/people.

I’ve learnt that disagreeing with somebody is pointless, and that it’s better to accept their point of view, or somehow mould it in with your own idea.

I’ve learnt what it’s like to not speak your own language for a few days.

I’ve learnt that time goes extremely fast, and that if you don’t act immediately, you never really will.

I’ve learnt the word “yes”, is more valuable than almost any other word, because it allows more opportunities to happen.

I’ve learnt not to judge someone on their appearance or reputation and that if you give them time they will surprise you.

I’ve learnt that it is okay to be homesick overseas, and that no one thinks you’re weak for doing so.

I’ve learnt that beanies, scarfs, gloves and woollen socks are so much more than a fashion item.

I’ve learnt how to say the same thing 10 different ways, so that people understand.

I’ve learnt that sitting in a car with strangers for 10 hours is actually not so bad at all.

I’ve learnt that darkness isn’t so scary, by only having 3 hours of sunlight a day.

I’ve learnt skiing is actually really hard, no matter how easy everybody makes it look.

I’ve learnt not to say something is “weird”, that it is simply “different” and to believe when I say that.

I’ve learnt that nothing is ever really boring, and that the situation is only so, because you aren’t appreciating it.

I’ve learnt that sending an email once in a while, will comfort someone more than you think it does.

I’ve learnt that living in a small town has its advantages and disadvantages.

I’ve learnt that driving a tractor to school, can be completely normal.

I’ve learnt not to be embarrassed by who I am or what I do or what I represent.

I’ve learnt not to become nervous, and that there is really no point in doing so.

I’ve learnt to carry tissues everywhere.

I’ve learnt that ink can’t be erased, and nor can what’s written on the internet.

I’ve learnt my true friends, from my not-so-true ones.

I’ve learnt that if you just ask for help, it will be given to you.

I’ve learnt how to politely disagree with somebody without offending them.

I’ve learnt the ways of people, are the same everywhere.

I’ve learnt ordering an ice-cream in Russia is one of the hardest things you can do.

I’ve learnt empathy.

I’ve learnt that sometimes, people just don’t want to listen to you. And that it is okay.

I’ve learnt that being in a wheelchair is fun for the first day, and then it gets annoying.

I’ve learnt that even the people who you think are the strongest, have their weaknesses.

I’ve learnt that it’s okay to cry in front of someone.

I’ve learnt that having pride in yourself is important.

I’ve learnt that everyone one loves a good round of karaoke.

I’ve learnt that having the ability to hold a conversation is a gift.

I’ve learnt that some of the best times happen when you least expect them to.

I’ve learnt, unfortunately, that I’ve out-grown many things.

I’ve learnt that it’s okay to let something go, and to move on with long strides.

I’ve learnt that sometimes, it’s important to stop and look back, and take time to reflect.

I’ve learnt how naive we all are.

I’ve learnt what it is like to be an exchange student, and I’ve learnt what it’s like to live life, not knowing when it’s going to end.

Book now for our Whisky Tasting Night

Experience the taste of GLENFARCLAS Single Mallts.

Glenfarclas, was established in 1836 and has been run by the Grant family since 1865. Using the finest natural ingredients, combined with traditional distillation methods, the unforgettable flavour of Glenfarclas is present in every bottle.

Net Proceeds support the club's Youth Development Programs.

$50 per person, including Finger Food

(A booking fee of .30 per ticket applies) 

Thursday 23rd February 2012 at 7pm - Caulfield RSL, 4 St.Georges Road, Elsternwick, Victoria 3185

Click here to book online now: www.trybooking.com/zsf

Further Information

Alan Samuel, Rotary Club of Glen Eira 

rotarygleneira@gmail.com 

Mobile: 0408-0240-224

DIK Back to School Exercise Book Project

The “Back to School Specials” specials usually feature cheap exercise books, the basic building block for education. This is the item most requested from Donations In Kind for their overseas projects. For the past couple of years DIK have been distributing a wonderful donation of 750,000 books, but all good things come to an end and they are almost gone.

With books available for a few cents (Big W packs of 3 for 10 cents) it’s a simple and afforda- ble way for Members and their friends to support a student who needs our help. If you see a store running a Back to School promotion have a look around. There is a very good chance cheap books will be available and it never hurts to ask.


In the past our club have supported this project with books pencils crayons and even simple school bags. Please consider your support again. Bring your donations to the club and John Strong will collect and take to the DIK store.