Many high school students would not dream of traveling the world, but junior Savannah Robbins has taken her love for world culture to a whole new level.

    On Friday, Aug. 21, Robbins, as part of a student exchange program, began a journey overseas to Turkey. Classes for her will begin Sept. 24, and she will return to the States next summer.

    Robbins said, "None of this is real to me yet. I am thrilled to think that my experience will be here in only a matter of time."

    After participating in an extensive interviewing process, Robbins was chosen to represent the Muskegon Rotary Club as a foreign exchange student.

    Robbins is not the only one in her family to step out of her comfort zone and become a student in another nation. Her sister Cassie, a 2004 Shores graduate, was also an exchange student during her time at Shores.

    "After observing my sister and her great experience, I became interested in the youth exchange program," Robbins said. "My sister has always been a great influence, but my decision to apply for the exchange student was not entirely because of her."

    This exchange has already brought great experiences to Robbins. Before the actual exchange, members of the program attended four conferences across Michigan and Canada. It was at one if those conferences that Robbins learned of the country she would be staying.

    "It was at the second conference that we found out where we would be staying," Robbins said. "I had mixed emotions when I found out I was heading to Turkey; I had really wanted to go to Latin America."

    It may come as a surprise, but participants of the program are not able to hand pick the country they wish to live. Each Rotarian lists the countries they wish to attend from favorite to least favorite.

    "In my case, Turkey was my fourth choice," Robbins said. "I was disappointed for a moment, but then I realized it will still be a great experience."

    This experience also comes with sacrifices. To have a successful experience, letting go of family and friends is necessary.

    Robbins said, "Leaving my family and friends will be difficult, but I know they will be here when I return, and this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

    Loved ones of Robbins have mixed emotions about her leaving.

    Sophomore Sarah Hepler, Robbins’s friend and cousin, said, "Throughout the past year, I have had many mixed feelings about Savannah and the foreign exchange program. I have felt scared, sad, happy, excited, and unsure about it sometimes. But, at this point, I am so excited for her and so proud of her for having the courage to spend a whole year away from home without her family and friends."

    Robbins’ courage will not only be shown by studying a foreign language and other courses; she is also spending three days a week teaching elementary students the English language.

    "Although I have been practicing my Turkish, the language is so difficult to learn. I am waiting for hands-on experiences to improve my Turkish speaking skills," Robbins said. "Teaching younger students the English language will be a great opportunity to do just that."

    Although Robbins’ presence at Shores will be missed, she is off to bigger and brighter things in the country of Turkey.

    Robbins said, "My only goals while I am away are to immerse into the culture, make life-long friends, and have an excellent year away from home."