FogHorn June 21, 2018  - Exchange Student Presentation - Rafael Mataix Jimenez

He also spoke of town festivities like the Three Wise Men parade, that began back in the 1800s, and the four-day festival that recalls clashes between Moors and Christians, when the Moors came into Spain and then the Christians returned.

He spoke of his high school, one of five in his town. He described the Spanish educational system, where there are twelve grades in the private Catholic school and they are taught by teachers funded by the government. He showed photos of the group of friends he had spent 18 years with, culminating in six years of high school and then graduation and the two days of party that followed it.

He also showed photos of his family, including grandparents and 18 cousins. The lively photos showed their costumes for the festival and parade, and Christmas celebrations. HeHH

Rafa told of his life in the U.S. and shared photos he had taken of his many experiences here. They included birthday celebrations, excursions on the San Francisco Bay including a visit to Alcatraz, him with fellow exchange students from all around Europe or posing with the Spanish flag, and a trip to Southern California with his parents and the places they visited there. Also included were pictures of a wintertime visit to Bear Valley, the very picturesque "snow girl" he and friends had made there, and his "awesome friends" in fun places like Honolulu. There were photos from a long road trip he made with a new exchange family and a visit to the Grand Canyon. There were also photos from his prom -- the Rotarians laughed when Rafa said,  "My date is pretty cute, huh?  We made a cute couple!" Rotarians also noted Rafa's love of burgers. And there were still more "awesome moments" to share about his exchange visit.

In answer to questions:

Rafa said it "can get cold" in his town at home, citing 16 degrees Celsius.

His siblings at home are age 10 and 15. His sister is considering applying to be an exchange student herself next year, he said.

He likes balmy coastal temperatures.

He mentioned an uncle's houseboat, and how he enjoys the clear blue waters and yachts he can see from there.

His father has a brand of children's clothing. His mother works in a pharmacy and studies fashion design.

He happily announced that he wants to be a pilot!

Respectfully submitted, Stacy Trevenon

He said he will miss the feeling of being an exchange student, experience,  that he "never can express" what it means to him