Rotary Youth Exchange student describes experience to local club

“I’ve been so lucky to have been chosen,” exclaimed Kaplan native Scott Russo as he described his 10-month stay in Brazil as a Rotary Exchange Student.
Admitting his initial struggle to learn the Portuguese language, and specifically citing his frustration to learn the word for “popcorn” while attending a movie, Russo told members of the Rayne Rotary Club that he now intends to learn Spanish. He explained he recently took a job with Lowe’s and Spanish would be a boon in assisting Spanish-speaking customers.
Russo emphasized that “I learned so much,” as he was hosted by three Brazilian families.
Referring to the pins that covered his Rotary Exchange Student jacket, Russo explained each pin serves as a personal memento and memory of those he came to know –– including 13 other foreign exchange students –– during his time in the South American country.
Russo, who returned to his Kaplan home in May, announced he will be attending the University of Louisiana in Lafayette this fall.