By Sledja Ishmakej, YES 2016-2017, Albania, hosted by PAX in Big Bend, Wisconsin

One of the best things about being a YES scholar is that you get to become an alumna once you return home. As soon as I got back to Albania in June, I decided to give back to my community.

My first project is also a long-term one. I am teaching English classes to 15 children ages 12 to 15 in the orphanage of Shkodra. During each class, we have conversations, read stories, and practice grammar. This project helps the kids to start creating strong foundations for their future. In Albania, the English language is a requirement for young people to pursue university studies or find a job.

During classes, one of my students came to me and shared that he was soon going to be adopted by a family in the USA and thanked me for teaching him English. I was so happy and realized that I was impacting these children’s lives in a good way. Moments like this fill me with hope and make me keep doing my work.

I believe that the future is in the hands of young people, and I will try to use this power for the best, by serving my community. I have already started to work on my next projects that will make my city a better place to live in.

I am always thankful to YES for shaping me into the person I am today!