My name is Syrena Elliott, and my journey with Rotary started with Youth Exchange. In 2024–2025, I had the incredible opportunity to spend my exchange year in Italy. At the time, I knew I was signing up for an amazing experience, but I don't think I fully understood just how much it would change me. I am incredibly grateful for every person who made that year possible, from the people who supported me at home to my host families, friends, Rotary members, and everyone I met along the way. Italy gave me so much more than memories. It gave me a new perspective on the world and on what I was capable of……
When I came home, I quickly realized that I was far from done. I completed my mandatory conference and continued getting involved, but I knew there was something more I wanted to do. I had experienced how powerful Rotary could be, and I didn't want that feeling to end when my exchange did. “Service Above Self” started to mean something much deeper to me. I didn't want service to just be something I participated in when I had the opportunity. I wanted it to become a lifestyle choice, something I carried with me in everything I did.
That mindset led me to one of the most impactful experiences of my journey so far: the Sew Girls Can Go to School program, in the Dominican Republic. Being able to travel there and see the work firsthand is something I will always be grateful for. I had the opportunity to learn about the bateyes, the people who live there, and some of the challenges they face. But more than anything, I learned about the power of people coming together. It showed me that building a better world doesn't always start with one huge action. Sometimes it starts with listening, learning, creating opportunities, and working alongside others who believe that change is possible.
That trip changed the way I think about service. It reminded me that I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunities I do, and that with those opportunities comes a responsibility to give back. I came home wanting to do more, but also wanting to bring other people into the conversation.
Since then, I've had the opportunity to visit surrounding Rotary clubs and share my experiences through presentations. Being able to stand in front of Rotary members and talk about what I've been able to accomplish at just 18 years old has been really meaningful to me. I hope that when people hear my story, they realize that you don't have to wait until you're older to make an impact. You can start now. You can say yes, get involved, ask questions, learn from others, and find your own way to serve.
Looking ahead, I am excited to keep growing from everything Rotary has already given me. This year, I plan to attend another District Conference, continue learning from the people around me, and keep building on the experiences I've already had. I also hope to become a Rotex counsellor for the next generation of Youth Exchange students. Being an exchange student changed my life, and I would love the opportunity to help someone else feel supported and confident as they begin their own journey.
When I look back, I am so grateful that saying yes to Youth Exchange in Italy led me here. What started as one year abroad has turned into something much bigger than I ever expected. It has given me friendships, opportunities, lessons, and a sense of purpose that I carry with me every day.
I don't know exactly where this journey will take me next, but I know I want to keep saying yes. I want to keep learning, keep serving, keep meeting people, and keep finding ways to make a difference.
I am Syrena Elliott, and I want to make a difference. And I am incredibly grateful that Rotary has given me the opportunity to start.