About the Team

Annyeonghaseyo (hello...or rather, "are you at peace?")

Korean lesson #1: "Annyeong" means peace, and the second half, "hasaeyo", generally means "to do".  Together, it's used as a greeting - morning, noon and night.

Now, if you can just help me remember that and not mix it up with some of the other 5+ syllable words floating around in my head, I'd sincerely appreciate the help. In a language where "k" sometimes sounds like "g", and "b" sometimes like "p", well, I'd say it's Greek to me, but I think Greek may be a bit easier.

On April 2, I'll be heading off to South Korea for a month as part of Rotary International's Group Study Exchange program.  I am so incredibly thankful for this opportunity.  Thankful for Rotary for providing such a wonderful program, and thankful for my colleagues at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, for allowing me to take the time to do this and supporting and encouraging me along the way.

The Group Study Exchange program is a unique cultural experience for young professionals, aged 25 - 40.  There are five of us from Memphis going this year, which includes four team members and one team leader.  Rotary District 6800 (the Mid-South district which encompasses Shelby County, TN and part of northern MS) has generously provided travel grants for all of us to visit a fellow Rotary district, located in the province of Jeollabuk Do, South Korea.  While we're there, we'll have the opportunity to tour several Korean companies, exchange ideas, present about our own professions and organizations, and generally, experience Korea's culture.

I'll post more in-depth information along the way, but anyone interested in learning more about the program and how to apply can visit the Rotary site by clicking here.