2022 11 01 | Host: Loredana Eisenhauer | Incoming RYES Maria Mateus

Loredana Eisenhauer hosted our 2022-23 incoming Rotary Youth Exchange Student (RYES), Maria Clara Mateus. Pictured L-R are Dave Weatherill (host family), Maria, Martin von Holst (RYES Committee Chair), Joanne Weatherill & Loredana. Maria came to us in late August, from Sao Paulo, Brazil – a city of about 12 million. Sao Paulo is very diverse, with the largest Japanese population outside Japan. Maria is 16 years old, & describes herself as always having been small & talkative. She’s an only child, with parents from modest backgrounds. Her father is the youngest of nine children, & is self-employed in IT support. Her mother is a teacher. Maria likes art, history, makeup, most animals (particularly snakes), & enjoys a good discussion about politics or religion. She says she’s been interested in coming to Canada for many years, but wasn’t sure why. Being well-prepared for life, & getting to know herself is important to her, so a Rotary exchange is sure to help. In Brazilian schools, all students wear uniforms. Her school held classes from 6am to 1pm, students stayed in the same room, & teachers rotated through the day. To qualify for a Rotary Exchange, she took a 3-hour exam & wrote two essays – one in Portuguese, & the other in English. Maria is hoping many members will invite her to their homes, or out for activities. Conversation with this delightful young lady comes very easily!