Age: 16

Address: Londrina, Paran, Brazil

Livelihood: Rotary exchange student, Albert Lea High School student

Family: father, Vicente; mother, Simone; brother, Victor, 18

Interesting fact: She arrived in Albert Lea last August and will have spent 11 months living in Minnesota before she returns. She will stay with different families. Presently, Steve and Jody Bowron are the host family.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Who can apply for the exchange program?

A: Rotary Youth Exchange is open to young men and women between the ages of 15 and 19, sons and daughters of Rotarians AND non-Rotarians alike. Applicants are selected by a sponsoring Rotary Club on the basis of a written application and a personal interview. Qualified applicants are academically above average, articulate and demonstrate community leadership skills.

Q: Where can I go on my exchange?

A: Exchanges can occur between any two countries in which there are Rotary Clubs. Rotary Clubs in approximately 65 countries and regions annually sponsor or host Youth Exchange students.

Q: How much should I expect to pay?

A: While room and board for the exchangee is provided by the host family, the student and the student’s own family assume certain financial obligations. The participation fee for the 2009-10 exchange years is $5,200. Included in this amount are: round-trip air transportation, orientation sessions, Rotary blazer and emblem, basic insurance, pins for exchanging, business cards, study materials, and a name badge. The host Rotary club will provide a modest monthly allowance, and will usually pay the student’s tuition for all required academic programs. Hardship allowances are considered as well and should be asked for at your local level.

Q: Where and when do I apply?

A: The first step is to obtain sponsorship from your local Rotary Club. Please contact your local Rotary Club president and you will be advised of the club’s procedures for application.

Please check out this site for more information: www.rotaryexchangemn.com.

While visiting with Rotary exchange student Marina Simoni Marques for this interview, I found a very intelligent girl that seemed wise beyond her years. I imagine that being away from your parents and family in a foreign country makes it tough and you grow up quite fast, but as Marques taught me over the next hour, being a part of an exchange program has many more benefits than emotional setbacks and, wow, you can have fun.

I asked her if we could do a little different kind of interview and just sort of talk about things and be a little bit more laid-back. She smiled and said sure.

Scott: What is the best thing you have found about the United States?

Marina: The crime is so much better than in Brazil.

(The population of the Londrina metro area is more than 700,000, but it is the educational, medical, and cultural center for more than 4 million people.)

Scott: What is the best thing about living here in Albert Lea?

Marina: The people are so nice and also to experience living in a small town for the first time.

Scott: What is the worst thing about living in Albert Lea?

Marina: Not as much for people to do.

Scott: Are you enjoying Albert Lea High School?

Marina: Yes, very much. I like taking a few more fun classes because in Brazil, all my classes are strict. We do not have fun classes.

Scott: What is the biggest difference between school here and your school back in Brazil?

Marina: School sports. I love it here in Albert Lea because we get to attend many school sporting events. It is so much fun.

(In Brazil, all sports are clubs, and you need to get involved in a club to compete.)

Scott: What sports are you involved in?

Marina: Tennis and dance team. They are both so much fun, but I really like to dance.

Scott: OK, let’s switch it up. Time to play favorites, ready? Favorite music?

Marina: Samba and hip-hop.

Scott: Favorite movie?

Marina: “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Tropa De Elite.”

Scott: Favorite teen crush?

Marina: Johnny Depp and Will Smith.

Scott: Favorite TV show?

Marina: “House.”

Scott: Favorite singer?

Marina: Lady Gaga

Scott: What is the best thing about Rotary Youth Exchange?

Marina: The exchange students. I love seeing all of the other exchange students (a group from the region gather once a month) and there are about seven other Brazilians in our group. I love meeting new people.

Scott: Name one good friend you have made in Albert Lea?

Marina: Ally Maiers

Scott: What are your parent’s names and occupations?

Marina: My father Vicente is a lawyer and my mother Simone is a public notarian. I also have a brother who is 18 named Victor, and we are super close.

Scott: What else do you like to do?

Marina: I like to draw and do math.

Scott: What do you miss most about home?

Marina: My family and friends. Everything.

Scott: Do you have a favorite quote or phrase that you like?

Marina: “Friend’s are like women’s bras; they are close to your heart and are there for your support.” My friend told me that, and I laughed but then thought, “Hey, that is true.”

I asked Marina if she thought I should put that down as it would be a part of her interview and she said, “Sure, it will make people smile.”

In a letter Marina wrote to her host family introducing herself for the first time, she states, “In my return (to Brazil) I am sure that I will be more mature, more independent, and less shy than I am nowadays.” She ended the letter with “Thank you. I can’t wait to meet you.”

After meeting and visiting with this bright young girl, I think you can say, it was nice to meet her and mission accomplished.