By Mohamad Issa Jamal (YES 2007-2008, Lebanon, hosted by AYUSA in Bandera, TX)

As one of three YES alumni mentors at the YES Civic Education Workshop this February, I had a truly amazing experience. I learned a lot, met many amazing people, and shared my experience as a YES alumnus with the 15^th anniversary class of 100 soon-to-be alumni.

I set out on my CEW mentor experience with two overarching goals. First, I wanted to be a strong representative of my country and the YES alumni network in Lebanon. Being the first Lebanese alumnus chosen to mentor at CEW was both an honor and responsibility. The YES alumni network in Lebanon is one of the most active worldwide, so I aimed to highlight our distinctive accomplishments over the past 15 years. I had the opportunity to present to the 100 CEW students, the U.S. Department of State, worldwide via Facebook Live, and the volunteer network at American Councils for International Education. Also, I had the opportunity to share my story with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This was the highlight of my CEW experience because I felt proud to represent a program that has the support of many of these congressional representatives. 

Second, I wanted to be a source of inspiration for the next generation of YES alumni. Being an active alumnus in Lebanon was definitely part of the reason I was chosen as a CEW YES alumni mentor, so I used the opportunity to share my record of accomplishments with the students hoping it will inspire them to be leaders and changemakers when they return to their home communities. The students were full of promising ideas and endless questions. The energy and feedback I received from the students was heartwarming. “Thank you for inspiring us,” and “We promise you to make you proud and be active in our home countries,” were two of the most frequent statements the students shared with me, and from this, I know I accomplished my mission.

The CEW experience was a turning point in my YES journey – one that I will not forget. Not only did I represent my country and inspire a new generation of YES alumni, but I, too, walked away with a great deal of inspiration because of the students. These students have the passion and drive to inspire nations, and I believe that the future will be great with future leaders like them.