Rotary Exchange Program in Livermore, 2024 Spring

Editor:  Gilbert Chiu; Authors: Jingwen Yang, Nandni Sinha, Oke Iroegbu and Riko Okubo 

Waking up in the quiet morning at Berkeley on the first day of Spring Break. Host families from Livermore Rotary Club came to International House to pick us up and kick off our exchange program. Our journey began with some casual chatter and laughter with the wonderful people from Livermore. 

The drive from Berkeley to Livermore wasn’t long, especially when our host families were so eager to share with us their stories and lives in Livermore. The drive was pleasing as we travelled from the hustle and bustle of the East Bay to the peaceful city of Livermore. We had a very fruitful schedule in this exchange program: meeting with the Mayor of Livermore – John Marchand, who shared with us the vision and mission of the city council, a tour at the Livermore Police Department where we learnt more about their daily operations and the role of technology in assisting their work, learning the key scientific discovery of the Livermore National Laboratory, wine tasting session in one of the sixty plus wineries in the city, potluck dinner with the members of the rotary club as well as having the horsing riding session in the next day!  

So much to learn and so much to enjoy! 

More Thoughts from Gilbert Chiu 

I feel grateful to have the host family program with Livermore Rotary Club. It was a precious experience that evokes a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. Special thanks to my host parents – Evonne and Dave, for showing me around the city and taking good care of me. The genuine kindness of the host families of the club enabled all of us from International House to feel the vibrant culture of Livermore. This activity surely amazing that has allowed me to fully immerse into the American life! I love it!   

More Thoughts from Jingwen Yang 

What I enjoyed and cherished most was the time with my host family, fellow housemates, and the local community. My host parents (Mr. Lynn Sephora and his wife Mrs. Joann Sephora) were both incredibly open, sharing insights into their careers and personal passions with me and my pair housemate Nandni. I was touched by their enthusiasm toward their careers, interests, and life. As a youth student who really wants to pursue a career in academia, I was really inspired by the story and words of my host father, Lynn, who worked for 37 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as an optical designer. I still remember that he told me the resonant quote he liked most, “Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment,” and I believe these words will keep having a great influence on my life and career. 

More Thoughts from Nandni Sinha 

It was a great experience to join the Livermore Trip. We received a very insightful speech on city planning and public administration, the amazing technology displayed in the Livermore police station, and the strong research work by Livermore National Laboratory! It was also great for me to learn that Livermore has more than 60 wineries!  

More Thoughts from Oke Iroegbu 

My experience with my host was enlightening, and I learned more about American culture. The day I arrived, I played golf with Riko and Favor with my host, my first-time playing golf. Later, we went to the airport to see my host’s airplane. On Saturday evening, I watched an exciting TV series with my host family. It was like a small family gathering. 

Summary, I had fun with the exchange experience. I am thankful to I-House management for organizing this event and my host for welcoming me into their home. 

More Thoughts from Riko Okubo 

From my homestay experience in Livermore, the most treasured aspect will always be the people I met. While I enjoyed interacting with fellow housemates of similar age, generation, and interests in International House, it was through joining the dinner-time Rotary club and engaging with my host parents that I truly broadened my horizons. 

My host parents shared their life stories with me, encompassing their upbringing, education, backgrounds, and how they navigated their careers in the 60s and 70s – a time vastly different from today. By delving into their life narratives, I not only gained personal insights into a new world but also, as an exchange student studying sociology, had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their individual lives. This allowed me to view the broader systems and history of American society from a more comprehensive perspective, inspiring me to contemplate what can be done for the future. As an exchange student from Japan, returning to Livermore might pose challenges, but I am genuinely grateful to have now a place I can “come back”.