The first question from most people who are not affiliated with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program is: "What is ROTEX?" A simple question that d emands a simple answer. Unfortunately ROTEX means different things to different people. The one thing that all members of ROTEX have in common is the successful completion of the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. In other words, each of us has been sent by our Rotary District to live in another country for a year on an emotional roller coaster ride that took us to new highs of frustration, stress, curiosity, and joy.

For some of us, ROTEX is an opportunity to repay Rotary for their gen erosity. They run a first class program, and were always there to help us. Other ROTEX members join for the emotional support. Returning students often have trouble readjusting to things back home. There are family problems, relationship problems, and academic problems that we all experience at one point or another. Still other ROTEX members have joined because they just want to be understood. There is a bond among us that rivals even those of brothers and sisters. We have all been there, and know wh at it is like to have your life turned upside down, inside out, and then dry cleaned.

Our activities are as enriching as they are numerous. We have a very good rapport with our District Youth Exchange Committee, and therefore participate in most of their yearly activities. We also have a very active and enthusiastic executive committee that is always of new ideas. Here is the abridged version of our yearly activities:

September - October: recently returned rebounds are selected to accompany District Youth Exchange Committee members on visits to local high schools. Having a ROTEX member along gives the students a much clearer idea of the whole program.

November - December: ROTEX members are select ed to participated in the interview and selection process for the following year's outbounds. Our impressions and selection are weighted on an equal basis with the District Youth Exchange Committee's, allowing us to better identify the potential bad egg.

January - May: ROTEX assists the District Youth Exchange Committee in the orientation and preparation of the students for their year abroad. We hold a weekend long orientation that brings everyone together in a large family reuni on.

June - July: ROTEX picnics! We try to have two or three picnics a year to discuss past and future activities. What we really do is talk all day and tell all those good stories that nobody else wants to listen to.

July or August: The Welcome Home Dinner is the final event of the year, and perhaps the hardest to go to. This is basically the reunion of the students who have just returned, but ROTEX members always come away with a longing to return to our beloved host fa milies, friends, and countries

Our Membership: The members of our organization fall into two groups: an executive committee, and the general membership. The executive committee is responsible for the planning of regular activities, and the growth of the organization. However, we consider all members equal, and everyone is more than welcome to take the initiative on their own projects.