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Youth Exchange Reflections from Finland
Living My Dream Through the Lions Youth Exchange
Hi! I am Pauliina from Finland, and I had the chance to spend part of my summer in the United States through the Lions Youth Exchange program. The trip was unforgettable, and since returning home, there has not been a single day when I have not thought about it with warmth. I spent three weeks in August 2025 in West Virginia, in a small town called Mathias. My host family lived close to the border of Virginia, so we spent a lot of time there as well. Thanks to them, I also got to visit the state of Maryland. Visiting the United States had been one of my biggest dreams, so I am forever grateful to Lions for making this experience possible for me. My host family was truly more than I could have wished for. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home from the very first day. The family included a mom, a dad, and two younger boys. We spent a lot of time together talking, playing games, going outside, and watching shows. During my stay, we shared our cultures with each other. I learned a lot about the USA and I got to share my Finnish culture. The host family lived in the countryside surrounded by beautiful scenery and many animals. I am grateful because I was able to experience so many different sides of the United States. My host family made it possible for me to see stunning nature, movie-like neighborhoods, and the excitement of big cities. My host family was always full of ideas for things we could do together. Almost every day we explored the local area and experienced something new. We spent time in West Virginia’s nature, had picnics by the water, went shopping in Virginia, and tried new restaurants. I finally got to go to Target and Walmart, which had weirdly been little dreams of mine. I know it might sound silly to anyone who lives there, but I was genuinely so excited. Every day during my exchange felt like a gift. I still remember driving over the mountains at sunset, with music playing and the sky glowing orange. In Virginia we visited the amazing Luray Caverns. We also spent a day at a traveling fair, and I experienced my first American rodeo, which was incredible. One of the funniest days was at the Virginia Safari Park, where hungry animals kept sticking their heads into our car. Another unforgettable moment was horseback riding along a forest trail in West Virginia, something I had wanted to do for a long time. I got to meet so many wonderful people, and I feel like my English improved a lot while I was there. We also took two overnight trips to bigger cities, where I got a taste of city life. In Maryland, we visited Baltimore, where I saw beautiful city views and explored different museums. Before I flew back home, we also visited Washington DC and got to feel the atmosphere of the capital. I got to see incredible landmarks, including the White House and many historic memorials. We also spent time exploring the impressive Museum of Natural History. This exchange was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I had never traveled alone before, but everything went smoothly. After graduating from high school, I had been longing to travel and see more of the world. The youth exchange taught me independence and courage, and it showed me how much there is to explore beyond home. I truly recommend the Lions Youth Exchange to any young person who is thinking about applying. It is so much more than just traveling to a new country. You get to experience a different way of life, meet wonderful people, and learn things about yourself that you would never discover at home. It gives you confidence, independence, and memories that stay with you forever. I am incredibly thankful to my local Lions Club for supporting me and for making this dream come true.
Youth Exchange December 2025
Youth Exchange Interviews
On Saturday December 6, 2025 the Youth Exchange Committee met in Nutter Fort to interview 14 students vying for 6 - $1,700 travel scholarships. The interviews started at 10:00 am and finished at 3:00 pm. As I have said in the past, we see some of the most incredible students in WV. It is amazing their activities both in school and in their communities.
The interview committee consisted of Lorrie Krautwurst, Mackenzie Harshbarger and Richard McMillen. They all commented how difficult it was trying to select only 6 winners. They all said they wanted to award a scholarship to all of the students. They convinced the Committee Chair, Michelle Harshbarger, to add one more award. Seven students will travel during the summer of 2026. One alternative student was named who will move up if one of the winners is unable to travel.
The students and their families remained with us throughout the day. Lion Paula Shehan is a member of the church in which the interviews were held. At the back of the room was a long table of food for their Backpack Ministry. So, while the students were waiting to hear who the winners would be, we engaged them in a service activity. They filled 183 bags of food and set them on a table for the church backpack committee to find the next day.
At 3:20 the interview committee announced the winners: Gabreilla Stevens, Alyssa Dalton, Oloniyi Jones, Henry Spears, Colton Hetzer, Quin Surles & Shayle Montgomery with the alternate Alanna Hukill. Those who were not selected were encouraged to apply again next year.
Students filling the Backpack Ministry bags
183 Packed bags ready for delivery
These are the students that packed all of those bags.
Students and families waiting to hear the outcome of the interviews
The winning students (L-R) Alyssa Dalton, Gabriela Stevens, Henry Spears, Colton Hetzer, Quin Surles, Oloniyi Jones and Shayle Montgomery (not pictured due to having to work. She is first girl on the left in group picture above.)
All the student contestants (Shayle not pictured)