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Manuela Lugon

@manuelalugon

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RYEP was more than just a cultural exchange for me. It helped me grow, taught me lessons I’ll carry with me forever, and gave me a huge family made up of Rotarians and students from all over the world.
Back then, when I first put my blazer on, I had no idea of the weight and meaning it would come to hold. Now, I wear it with pride, knowing it carries countless memories, connections, and stories.
I also had no idea that the students I met during the first months of my exchange would become lifelong friends, especially the inbounds at District 6290. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed was watching them grow into the young adults they were meant to become. We’ve all changed so much.
One of the things I struggled to understand at the beginning of my exchange was this: why were people being so kind? I couldn’t understand why Rotarians showed so much love and generosity to complete strangers from the other side of the world.
Then, a very special leader told me something I’ll never forget. She said that the only thing she wanted in return for everything they had done was for us to do the same for another student someday.
That’s when I finally understood.
Rotary isn’t about expecting something in return. It’s about creating a chain of kindness that keeps moving from one generation to the next. Someone welcomed me with open arms, believing in the impact that simple acts of generosity can have on a person’s life. Now, I hope that one day I’ll be able to do the same for someone else.
@pgysan , @ruthann.schulte , @dombunker , @ammy_bike4 , @kristiroppawlak , Jany and Kim are just a few of the incredible people who have transformed the lives of so many exchange students. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and the love you’ve shared so selflessly. You will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Thank you, Rotary. You taught me what “Service Above Self” truly means. This may be the end of my exchange, but I know it isn’t the end of our story. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us. by @manuelalugon

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2 months ago

left my heart in sf 🦭🌉 taken in Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco by @manuelalugon

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2 months ago

90210 taken in Beverly Hills by @manuelalugon

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3 months ago

Yosemite 🌲⛰️🦦🔅 by @manuelalugon

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3 months ago

Woke up in Vegas 🌇🏛️💐 by @manuelalugon

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3 months ago

Feeling very small but very lucky 🏜️🌵☀️ taken in Grand Canyon Arizona by @manuelalugon

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4 months ago

If you wanna go far, then you gotta go far 🎓 taken in Reeths-Puffer High School by @manuelalugon

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4 months ago

"if I'm lucky enough I'll have the courage to leave and go wherever my beatin' heart tells me to go" 💐🎷 by @manuelalugon

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5 months ago

missing the glass slippers for prom '26 🩵💐 by @manuelalugon

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6 months ago

winter recap 🧇⛄️ by @manuelalugon

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6 months ago

hoco '25 by @manuelalugon

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a year ago

Young and sweet 🧚🏻‍♀️✨🎂 by @manuelalugon

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a year ago