How two local students found inspiration overseas | Opinion

For many high school students, the idea of spending a year abroad can seem daunting — full of unknowns and challenges.

But for two Rotary foreign exchange students from our community, the journey became not only an adventure but a transformative chapter that shaped their perspectives, values and dreams.

An Italian odyssey: Embracing new cultures

When Olivia Pettey returned from a year in Italy, she brought back more than souvenirs and photographs — she carried stories of friendship, discovery, and resilience. “Living in Italy taught me to appreciate differences and find beauty in new experiences,” she said. “My first host family and I really connected. Often, members of the family would create music together and we would have a wonderful time.”

“Before my exchange, I was shy and hesitant to try new things,” Pettey said. “But being in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me realize how much I’m capable of. I made lifelong friends, learned Italian, and discovered a new sense of confidence.” Rotary organized a number of trips for me, one of which took me on a terrific hike up into the Italian Alps. 

Pettey chose to be one of Rotary’s USA ambassadors during her senior year of high school. She still graduated right on time and is now studying at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Pettey is the daughter of Carrie and Eric Pettey. 

Chilean adventure: Finding strength in diversity

Meanwhile, Simone Kehoe’s year in Chile opened her eyes to the warmth of Latin American culture and the power of perseverance. “I only spoke a little Spanish before I arrived, but my host family and classmates were patient and kind,” Kehoe said. “By mid-year, I was not only fluent — I felt like I had a second home.” 

“The Chilean schools are so different from ours. In Chile, students from kindergarten through high school are all in the same building,” Kehoe said. “The Rotary trips were perhaps the most exciting parts of my year. I was fascinated by the stargazing opportunities in the La Serena area. The air was very dry, we were way up high, and there was no light pollution.  I am thinking that I might want to have a career in the aerospace industry. I’m already looking at Iowa State even though I have just begun my junior year here at Hudson High School.”  

“Another adventure I went on was to the mountains in Patagonia. I realized that the world is much bigger than I imagined,” Kehoe explained. “Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about discovering yourself. When I arrived in Chile, I was an extreme introvert, but during my year, I became very comfortable making friends and opening up conversations on many topics.”

“Still another Rotary-organized trip was to the City of Valparaiso. What a beautiful beach! When my year abroad ended, I was torn. Yes, I wanted to get home to be with my family, but I knew I would miss my new friends terribly.”

Why other students should consider youth exchange

For both Pettey and Kehoe, stepping into the unknown was the key to personal growth. Their stories serve as an invitation for other students to seize the opportunity, challenge themselves, and embrace the adventure of a lifetime.

• Exchange programs foster independence, resilience, and intercultural understanding.

• Students build lifelong friendships and global networks.

• Learning new languages enhances future academic and career prospects.

• Experiencing another culture increases self-awareness and adaptability.

“If you’re thinking about going on exchange, just do it,” Kehoe urges. “You’ll come back changed for the better — ready to take on the world.”

Pettey agrees: “It’s not always easy, but every challenge is an opportunity. Exchange truly shows you what’s possible when you open your heart to the world.”

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring beyond your borders, let Pettey and Kehoe’s stories be the inspiration you need. The world is waiting — and your adventure might be just around the corner. To learn more about the Rotary Youth Exchange program, visit northstarrotary.com or send a message to any Rotarian you know or to Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club’s Youth Exchange Officer, John Duntley. “[email protected]’