Rotary Twin Exchange opened doors to a bright future
My Rotary Exchange in Form 4 (Year 10) literally changed my life and came at just the right moment in my schooling career and gave me my first introduction to leadership and other new skills.
I returned from my exchange with a renewed focus on my academic achievement and went on to be Head Girl at Whakatane High School, and study Law at Waikato Law School. My Rotary Exchange gave me my first leadership and public speaking training and opportunities; skills that I now use every day in my role as New Zealand Country Head for New Zealand’s largest professional body, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. Almost 30 years later I am still in contact with my host family, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Rotary provided.
Kirsten Patterson (nee Eddy)
Rotary Twin Exchange
Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia, 1988
Kirsten Patterson (nee Eddy)
Rotary Twin Exchange
Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia, 1988
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Rotary Alumni are an important part of Rotary and we welcome your inquiry about becoming again involved with Rotary as a volunteer, on additional programmes, or as a member. Please contact your sponsoring club or call 0800 4 ROTARY.