Hello! My name is Gentry Allen. I am incredibly excited to be going to TAIWAN! The next year, I look forward to making life long memories and learn many new things! Becoming an exchange student is the most exciting thing that I have ever done. Here is a little about my self:
I live in Gainesville, which is located in the state of Florida and home of the University of Florida, the Fighting Gators! I live with my mom, dad and younger sister, Brooke (15). I am a second generation rotary exchange student. My mom, when she was 18, went with Rotary to Germany! My family and I like to spend a lot of time in our backyard cooking in our outdoor kitchen. I have my own car, a white VW bug. I attend P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, it is a Kindergarten through 12th grade school. It is a small school and I attend the performing arts magnet program.
Since I was 3 years old, I have been taking dance classes. I have trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop and clogging. I take classes 2-3 days a week, then I have Dance Company rehearsals on Sundays. In the semi professional dance company, I am in Triple Corps the highest level of the company. I participate in a full length ballet in the winter, then a contemporary jazz show in the spring and this June, at the annual recital, I will have a senior solo.
For fun, I love to go to the movies with my friends! I also really enjoy going to the University of Florida football games. Living in Florida gives me access to lots of outside activities with water. My family enjoys boating activities from boating on a lake or the ocean! I enjoy water sports like wakeboarding and intertubing, and I love taking my friends with me.
For the past three years, my family has had the wonderful opportunity to host three rotary exchange students. Belen, Teresa and Aidana have all really inspired me to pursue the Rotary exchange program. I love all three of them and consider them my sisters. Learning a second language and becoming bi-lingual and bi-cultural, is one the most beneficial things I could experience. I know the year ahead is to be tough, but it’s going to be filled with amazing experiences! Thank you so much Rotary, I can’t wait for Taiwan! |
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Gentry- Outbound to Taiwan
September 8, 2012
Traveling to Taiwan!
A lot of people asked me if I was nervous going to Taiwan and to be honest I
didn’t really know that to feel. I was this weird mix of sort of nervous but
way too excited. My flight schedule was Jacksonville to Chicago (2hr) to
Hong Kong (15hr) to Kaohsiung (1hr), then a short drive to Taiwan (30min).
Once I got to Chicago I called the other exchange student who was to be
traveling with me, David, to see where I am supposed to meet him and Nico,
because we were all flying together to Hong Kong and Kaohsiung. This is when
he told me that because of the Typhoon that’s about to hit Taiwan, our
flight to Kaohsiung is canceled and that we will have to take the flight
that leaves the next morning. AKA we would have a 10 hour layover in the
Hong Kong airport. The 15 hour flight to Hong Kong wasn’t has dreadful as I
thought it was going to be. The plane had this cool high tech computer
screens for each seat, where I was able to watch my own movies, and of
course I slept.
Once in the Hong Kong airport, I checked myself
into the traveler’s lounge where I slept on a really comfortable chair,
charged my electronics, ate who knows what (something with rice) and
showered. Then I boarded the flight to Kaohsiung at 8am!
After arriving (9am), breezing through customs
and tracking down my suitcases I walked out of these doors and there to
greet me was all these Rotarians and my host family! It was the best feeling
to know that they were as excited to know that I was in Taiwan as I was. My
family drove me to their house in Tainan, where I learned the word for cake,
and they tried to tell me that we were going to go eat some…? Get the
apartment, which is in a big apartment building, took a shower and went off
with my family to eat this cake. Well it just so happened that where the
cake was, was also where my rotary club was. This is the point where I
experienced culture shock. All I could do was sit there, smile and say thank
you as countless Rotarians came to me introduced themselves and try their
dishes. Oh, by the way, Taiwan as far as I’m concerned has THE most
delicious food.
While I’m there, some of the children of other
Rotarians (college students) ask me if I would like to “go” with them. Not
sure were “go” was, but hey! I’m an exchange student so I said yes. Next
thing I know we are on our way to another county to go to this restaurant
that only serves shaved ice with mangos. AMAZING! Then they took me to the
Tsengwen Reservoir which is in-between breath taking mountains. After we go
to my first temple, which was the Ancestral temple of Chiang Family in
Lu-Tao-Yang. That evening they took me to a restaurant where we could see
the mountains and later when it was dark the city lights of Tainan in the
distance. Finally they notice that I’m about to passed out with exhaustion
so they take me home.
Once at home I give my host family their gifts and we run through the first
night questions. Which I was very excited to do, because over the years I’ve
watched our exchange students, Belen, Teresa, Aidana and Nina, go through
these questions. But was very interesting because the only way to do so was
to nod yes/no and go show me the part of the house we were talking about.
I’m SO SO SO incredibly thankful to Florida
Rotary and Tainan Southeast rotary. I think everyone should be an exchange
student, it is the most meaningful and life changing experience.
I love Taiwan and I’m never coming back! (just kidding mom)
Gentry- Outbound to Taiwan
My first day of school in Taiwan was unlike any
day I have ever encountered. I arrived at the school at 7:30am and was
tucked away in the student affairs office where I nervously practiced my
speech, which I only learned the day before I was to present. At this point
I had been a total of 4 days in Taiwan, and my Chinese was so bad I could
barely even pronounce my own Chinese name. Finally, my school counselor led
me to the auditorium packed with the Students of National Tainan Chia-Chi
Girls Senior High School (CCGSH). As soon as I arrived students that I
walked by shrieked with excitement and shyly giggled to each other. I walked
up on to the stage and sat with all the teachers of CCGSH. I was front row
and on display for the entire school to see the first ever exchange student
to attend CCGSH.
The opening ceremony began, and many teachers and school officials came to
the podium to welcome everyone to another school year. Of course I had no
idea what anyone was saying, but I nodded my head in what seemed like the
appropriate times and applauded when everyone else did. Lastly the principle
took the stage and introduced me and played a short video I had made of
pictures to introduce myself and Florida. Then the moment came, and I was
ushered to the front of 1,000 students. I tried my ultimate best to speak
clearly my “Rotary speech” and when I finished the entire auditorium went
into an uproar in cheers for me. I felt truly welcomed to my new school, but
mostly I was just glad to survive the whole ordeal. The press also attended
the ceremony press and my picture was taken to appear in 2 local Tainan
newspapers the following week.
I have been in Taiwan for almost about two months now, and slowly Taiwan
life is becoming my normal everyday life. It’s normal now to hear fireworks
going off at all hours of the night AND day. It’s normal now that at school
the students think I’m some sort of celebrity. It’s normal that I eat
Taiwanese food like noodles, dumplings, pearl tea and questionable animal
parts (It’s better not to ask). I completely love my Taiwan life. I can feel
myself changing into a completely different person. I’m even more
responsible, independent and challenge facing then when I arrived to Taiwan.
The other day I walked into my room and saw my bed was made. I thought to
myself, “Who came into my room and made the bed?” Then I realized it was I
who had made the bed. It is small changes like this that I realize I’m
growing as a person.
Taiwan’s people are passionate in all that they do. They are a gift giving,
nonstop singing, always eating culture, and will be your friend for life. A
Rotarian once asked me if I thought that in my other life time that I was a
Taiwanese person. I’m starting to believe that this is true.
Gentry- Outbound to Taiwan
December 5, 2012
Everyday at school, after climbing four flights
of stairs, I arrive at my classroom, class 211. Eighteen girls, nineteen
including me, will be preparing for a rigorous day of school and dance
training.
My classmates are training to become professional dancers. Most days our
class will take dance classes up to 4-5 hours a day in ballet, modern,
pilates, and the traditional Chinese dance style. The teachers are always
pushing us to jump higher, stretch further, turn longer.
Dance has become so much more to me. It is the part of my day that makes
sense. Especially ballet, a style I have been studying since I was 3 years
old. At first I could not make out what the teachers were instructing to us,
my only aid was my eyes, to watch and copy my classmates. But now it is
become so much clearer. Stretch. Foot. Turn around. Hand. Jump. Feel.
Not everyday is always sunshine, rainbows, and tutus. I am most defiantly
the worst dancer in my class. My classmates are extremely talented. They
have amazing flexibility, endurance, and technique. My first full week of
classes seemed more like bootcamp than a dance class. It sounds silly but
the ugly duckling is the perfect metaphor in this case. The traditional
Chinese dance I find to be very difficult, mostly because I have never seen
this type of dance style before. I have to watch every carefully how to do
each movement, but my classmates are eager for me to learn with them, often
helping me into the correct pose or demonstrating the movement. But the
amazing thing is that my classmates take me as I am. They tell me they don't
care that I'm not the prettiest ballerina, and together we can learn to be
better dancers.
My classmates are the most hard working individuals that I know. Everyday
they come to school with a smile on their face, tackle exams and tough
school material, and continue to throw themselves into the dance profession.
During recital season, my classmates would be at school from 7:30am-9:00pm
every day for school, dance training and rehearsal. Also returning to school
on the weekends for more practice.
Every moment during the day is used for constant practice. Everyday I come
to school inspired by my classmates to work hard in everything I do.
My classmates and I share a unique bond. Without them I would feel out of
place in Taiwan. They give me a purpose to wake up everyday, to attend
school, to work hard. My exchange in Taiwan has been a change in mind and
body. We may not speak the same language (yet), but we all speak dance.
January 6, 2012
When I sat down to write this journal, in honor
of the newly selected inbounds, I stared blankly at the keyboard. Where do I
start? How can I even began to sum up how much their lives will change in
the next 2 years? But that's the thing, there is no way to explain what its
like to be an exchange student. You can only you live it yourself. There is
no way to describe the high of learning a new culture. The confusion of what
direction you think your life is heading, but really you have no idea. The
constant struggle of the need for your heart to be in two places at once.
I dedicate this journal to you, future outbounds
to Taiwan. How can I explain to you what a special place Taiwan is? I can
attempt to ease some confusion, but in reality you have no concept of what
Taiwan life will be like. I certainly had no idea. But I think that is best.
If you come to Taiwan with an open mind you will be able to see it's beauty.
10 Things You NEED to know about Taiwan to Survive your first month.
1. Learn how to use the squat toilet before you get off the plane. You may
think you know what your doing, but really you don't. Educate yourself,
because they are everywhere!
2. Girls, well guys too, but especially girls -ALWAYS carry a pack of
tissues with you. Almost all public restrooms will not have toilet paper.
Enough said.
3. Dinners are eaten family style with the main dishes in the center. You
will have a small bowl of rice which you will place your selections on top
of. You must finish everything in your bowl. No exceptions.
4. Always eat until your satisfied, because it will be mostly likely your
host parents will continue to place food into your bowl, or have something
else delicious for you to try.
5. RICE RICE RICE, everyday.
6. You will have a air conditioner in your room. Turn it off when your not
in the room! (In my case I only use it when I'm sleeping.)
7. You must remove your shoes before entering someone's house. My suggestion
is to bring "easiely removable" shoes.
8. I know we all come from Florida and we Floridians love our flipflops, but
be sure to bring other shoes. The streets are dirty and your feet will get
dirty from walking everywhere and using public transportation.
9. Chinese is hard. Start learning now! At minimum memorize your Rotary
Speech. You have a 100% chance that you will have to introduce yourself to
the entire school and many people will be impressed that a foreigner can
introduce themselves in Chinese. I have been in MANY situations where I had
to stand in front of a crowd and introduce myself. Don't be the exchange
student who's host parents have to do it.
10. Respect the elders. Respect your host parents. Respect your teachers.
Respect your Rotary. It may seem obvious, but Taiwanese culture is built on
5,000 years of tradition. Don't forget that.
I tried my ultimate best to come to Taiwan completely open minded and
adaptable to any situation I may find myself if. And truthfully it has
helped me become more adjusted with my new culture. There will be many
things you will not understand about Taiwanese culture. But, don't be
scared. Rotary chose you for Taiwan because they believe you are smart,
independent and adaptable.
Good Luck!
March
21, 2013There are three words to describe Chinese New Year in Taiwan.
Eat, Pray, Honor.
Eat
In my case, I ate for 5 days straight. In each home I visited I found one
commonality , as soon as we walked in the door, food was offered to us.
Then, after socializing with all the family members, we would eat a huge
family meal. I have never eaten so much in my ENTIRE life. The only way to
describe how much you will eat during Chinese New Year is to imagine eating
a Thanksgiving sized meal for lunch AND dinner.... for multiple days. And
of course only in Taiwan, after you have completely stuffed yourself, you
will go to the night market after dinner for even more snacks or pearl tea.
The amount that Taiwanese people can eat remains a real mystery to me.
Pray
A lot of your time during Chinese New Year will be spend traveling to
temples. Most of which are very old and are temples your family has been
praying at for generations. I can remember one great aunt having us stop at
every temple we passed, to pray for the New Year. We also visited a few
grave sites of deceased relatives to pay respect and pray over them.
Honor
Chinese New Year is spent traveling to as many elder relatives as physically
possible. I traveled to Penghu, a tiny island off the west coast of Taiwan,
to visit my host father's mom and dad. I also went to Kaohsiung, the second
largest city in Taiwan for my host mom's parents. Then, Rotarians picked me
up and took me to their family gatherings in my own city of Tainan. When you
visit these relatives they will have a special gift for you. It's called the
red envelope and inside a red envelope will be money. When an elder offers
you a read envelope you must thank them and wish them good luck.
My Chinese New Year was made special by the elders I visited. I would always
find myself wedged on a bench between a grandmother and great aunt. Or
sitting on the floor with my host cousins watching grandpa play mahjong with
the uncles. My hand was held, my plate was full, and I was called the
American granddaughter.
One great aunt in particular will forever stand out in my mind. Standing no
taller than maybe 5 feet, this women lived in her family's generational home
located behind a temple -a house well older than 100 years. She did not
speak any Chinese, so instead I had to use Taiwan's second language,
Taiwanese. As we were walking her to the car, because the streets were too
narrow to drive a car down, she told me "You are very far away from your
mother, today you will be my granddaughter". Just like that, I was apart of
her family. She didn't leave my side the entire day, even holding my hand
when we were walking.
This is another moment when I realized how different my life has become,
that the person I came here as is very different from the person I am now.
My exchange was made in the oldest city of Taiwan, where you can get lost
in small alleys, where the locals don't speak Chinese but instead Taiwanese
or Hakka, where there is a temple every 5 feet, where you sit on the floor
in your host relatives 100 year old houses. Exchange is more than just
living in a big foreign metropolitan. The life I built in Tainan I wouldn't
change it for anything.
Chinese New Year is a magical time in Taiwan. It is the time of the year you
can see how loving and caring the Taiwanese people are. It's a time to eat.
A time to wish good luck. A time to cherish your family. It's a time that I
am so incredibly thankful to experience. Thank you Rotary.
Happy New Year! 新年快樂!
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Gentry Allen
Alaina
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