By Maesha (Shudha) Islam (YES 2013-2014, Bangladesh, hosted by Greenheart in Lakeville, MN)

My name is Maesha Islam, though I usually go by my nickname, Shudha. I was on the YES program in 2013-2014. Placed in the suburbs of Minnesota – a location worlds apart from my home city of Dhaka – I learned a lot about American culture and about myself as an individual. During my exchange year, I regularly volunteered at my host family’s church, my high school’s library, and the organization Feed My Starving Children. I was also part of my school’s Japanese Club, Debate Club, and the Gay-Straight Alliance. Through these experiences, as well as countless interactions and conversations I had with some of the most incredible people I have ever met, I was able to acquire a better understanding of the world around me during my time in America.

Currently, I am a sophomore at Independent University of Bangladesh, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication. My interests revolve mainly around the arts; I love reading, writing, painting, photography, and listening to music. I am also very passionate about education, mental health awareness, equal human rights, and animal rights. Furthermore, I also enjoy volunteering – a passion that was sparked by my experience in Minnesota on the YES program. Since returning home from America, I have continued to work with my fellow YES alumni in Bangladesh on various projects and events, and I am one of the current Executive Committee members of our alumni association.

Thanks to YES, I have had the chance to pursue various opportunities during the last few years. During my exchange year, I was selected to participate in the YES program’s Civic Education Workshop. I have also led and assisted with sessions during both the 2017 and 2018 pre-departure orientations in Bangladesh. 

But the most incredible opportunity so far was to serve as an Alumni Instructor at the DC Orientations in 2017. Last year’s DCOs taught me more than I can put into words. I worked alongside an amazing team of American instructors, YES alumni instructors, and American Councils staff and met hundreds of YES students from all around the world – all of whom infinitely inspired me. 

This experience helped me improve my leadership and teamwork skills and gave me the opportunity to give back to the YES program. This year, I have been offered the opportunity to take part in the 2018 DC Orientations as a returning Alumni Instructor, and am beyond ecstatic to go back and experience it all over again! 

In the future, I hope to combine my love for the arts, metal heath awareness, human rights, and development into a career that brings more positivity into the world. Until then, I couldn’t be more excited to work with this year’s DCO team to create a positive experience for the incoming groups of YES scholars!