By Tunc Yavuz, YES 2013-2014, Turkey, hosted by PAX in Athol, MA

As I write these words, it’s been nearly three years since I stepped foot on the plane that took me back to Turkey after almost a year in the U.S. The year went by quickly, filled with many memories and opportunities. Though I believe it takes time to grasp how we’ve changed, and to view our exchange from a different perspective, I realize that I can see the aftermath of my exchange year clearer as days pass. It is like a well written novel that guides you to self-reflection; each page offers you something else, and each time you read it, it fills your eyes with a different picture.

The day that my host family and I went to Fenway Park is a memorable one for me. My host mother is a strong Red Sox fan, a family legacy that was passed down to her from her father. So, one of the first things we did was go to a Red Sox home game. From that day on, I started learning about baseball, and becoming fonder of it every day. Even today, I keep up with the game on a daily basis by watching game recaps, and I chat regularly with my host mom about the team and players. Next summer, I will be going back to attend my host sister’s wedding, and as soon as I know the dates of my arrival and departure, she will make sure we are going to a game.

My whole exchange year included sports and engaging with my community. I played soccer during the fall, and ran indoor and outdoor track for the varsity teams. The discipline that I gained is something I still carry and continue. The sports teams were also a great opportunity to socialize, and ways to informally share with others my culture, country and language. Throughout the year, I participated in various community service events, from serving food to those in need, to walking an elderly person’s dog. I believe that in moments like that, you really get to see and touch people, breaking any kind of barriers that could and did exist between us. During those brief but powerful moments, exchanging thoughts and words, I got to learn so many things about a country and its people; it helped me overcome prejudices I had once held.

There are many other memories and wonderful moments, from making an International Education Week presentation to helping my host father rebuild a ’66 Mustang, that have filled me and carved me into the person I am today. The YES program was a great opportunity, and it’s why I have continued volunteering and helping others since I have returned home.