Emily Loftis

2012-13 Outbound to Austria

Hometown: St. Johns, FL

School: St. Joseph Academy

Sponsor: District 6970, FL

Host: District TBA, Austria

Emily's Bio

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Hallo! My name is Emily, I'm 15, and I live in St. Johns, Florida. I'm a sophomore at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine and I will be spending my junior year in Austria! I can't wait. I love to play soccer and softball. Also I love to spend time with my family and friends.

First I want to thank rotary from the bottom of my heart for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime! I first heard about rotary my freshman year and never though that I would be capable of such a big adventure. When the representatives from Rotary came to my school this year and talked about the program again, I really was captured by every aspect of it. I heard current and previous exchange students speak also and just thinking about it, I knew it was for me. I want to travel and connect with other cultures in whatever career I decide to pursue and this is the first way to get out and experience it first hand!

The first thing that came to mind was conquering my mom and dad haha! I went home and showed my parents the flyer for the info meeting and while my dad expressed a firm NO, my mom said that she would go and listen to what they had to say. The night of the meeting, my dad had a change of heart before the meeting and said that something just pulled him to go...and what do you know? They decided to let me apply and now after a nice long application and tough interviews, I'm going to Austria! It all seems so unreal but in a good way! I cant wait to learn the wonderful language of German and truly make the Austrian culture a part of my life. I'm filled with so much excitement to meet new people from all around the world and make friends for life. I can't wait to uncover what awaits during my year abroad!



I'm now realizing that this is the beginning of a journey for life; a journey for happiness and also giving back. When I researched the Rotary organization further, I learned that their motto is "Service Above Self", which had a great impact on me. I realized that everyone involved with rotary has that will to help others and give back. I feel that I have a full group of truly goodhearted people that are willing to help and support me the entire way. I can't wait to do everything I possibly can to give back during my year abroad and in the years to come.

I want to again thank my family, my foreign language teacher Mrs. Martin, Rotary, and God for all of the support, help, and the gift of this amazing adventure and experience that will help carry me through life. Congrats to all of the other Outbounds!

Emily- Outbound to Austria