Exchange Student Career Impact 20 Years Later

Michelle Larkin grew up in Sebastopol, California attending Apple Blossom, Twin Hills, and Analy High School. She attended Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, graduating with a BS in Graphic Communications. In 1996 she went to live and study in Costa Rica on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Sebastopol Rotary Club. Upon her return to Sonoma County the following year, she was hired to teach Spanish at El Molino High School where she still works today. Michele teaches Spanish I, II and Advanced Placement Spanish IV.  She is the Department Chair of the World Language Department.  She lives in Occidental with her husband on their small organic farm, Bella Ridge Farm, where they grow apples and pears.  They sell their fruit at local farmers' markets and stores. Michele also teaches yoga classes in Occidental.  In addition to yoga, she enjoys cycling and hiking in Sonoma County and beyond. She volunteers for LandPaths as a docent at the Bohemia Ecological Preserve.