A Walk Down Memory Lane

The past two weeks, I've had the opportunity to return to my alma maters (Truesdell Middle School and East High) and speak to Rotarians.  Each one of those experiences has helped me walk down memory lane and reflect on my life.  I've been so blessed and I hope I can inspire others to dream.

About two months ago, an ESOL instructor contacted the station asking if I'd be willing to come and speak to her students. Without hesitation, I said yes!  Before it was all said and done, it turned out that she wanted me to speak to about 250 students in the auditorium and give them advice on going to college and pursuing a career.

After the presentation, I had the chance to do a Q&A session with her ESOL students.  Having been a graduate of the program, I enjoyed talking to the students about the importance of languages.  I truly believe that speaking more than one language has helped me with both school and my career. 

A few days after my talk, I received nearly two dozen letters from the students.  It was such a nice surprise and I still feel so humbled by the comments.

Then, this week I had the opportunity to be on a panel of International Baccalaureate graduates at East.  We talked to the juniors about our experience in college and gave some tips that helped us graduate from our universities.  Going back to high school made me realize that my ten year reunion is coming up sooner than I expected.  Ahhh!  I had an awkward moment walking into the high school.  This kid asked me my name and what grade I was in.  Hmm...had to break it to him that I was not a high school student. 

  I still remember the popsicles that Fry-Fry gave us the first day of freshman English class...and I still have my "life list."  

Finally, one more presentation this week that continued my walk down memory lane.  I gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of El Dorado back in 2009, after my return from Hong Kong.  On Wednesday, I gave my second presentation to these Rotarians.  This time, I talked about my continued involvement with the Rotary family because of Rotaract.  To my surprise, the El Dorado Times had a reporter at the presentation and wrote about the talk.  Here's a link to the story:

http://www.eldoradotimes.com/features/x962225389/Rotary-programs-benefit-young-people

Thank you, Rotarians, for the opportunity to be a former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and for your support in the Rotaract Club of Wichita.

May you have a walk down memory lane and reflect on what's important in your life.  

-Lily