Matt London

2011-12 Outbound to Sweden

Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida

School: Vero Beach High School

Sponsor: Vero Beach Rotary Club, District 6930, Florida

Host: Rotary Club of Stockholm-Västerled, District 2350, Sweden  

Matt's Bio

Hej! (Hey in Swedish) My name is Matthew London. I live in Vero Beach Florida. I am 16 years old and a sophomore at Vero Beach High school. Next year, I will be in Sweden as a RYE ambassador. I have never been so excited and nervous at the same time. I play soccer for my high school and hope to play while I am in Sweden.

In addition to soccer, I like to go to the beach and hang out with my friends in my spare time. I live with my mom, dad, brother and sister. My dad, Stuart, is a Director of IT for a Dutch Financial firm. My mom, Leslie, is an Administrative Assistant for a children’s theatre. My brother, Jeffrey, is 18 and a senior and my sister, Lauren, is 12 and in 7^th grade.

I don’t think I am ever going to realize how real this new life experience is going to be until I get off the plane. “You are the only problem you will ever have and you are the only solution. Change is inevitable, personal growth is always a personal decision”. I feel that this experience will change me vastly as I journey to a new country and step out of my comfort zone. I will be taking on new responsibilities and will be learning about a new place and culture.

I can’t predict what will happen in the future, but whatever happens I am going to face it head on. I will miss my friends, house, family and more. Although I am leaving a lot, I wouldn’t give up this opportunity for the world. I am not going to miss an amazing experience to grow as a person because I am afraid.