By Narintorn Kaweeket (YES 2011-2012, Thailand, hosted with AFS in Macedon, NY)

“Mom, I made it! I am selected to be an exchange student in the USA!” That was what I gracefully shouted after learning the selection results. Being in the USA has always been my dream since I was little. I grew up in southern Thailand and had never traveled abroad before. Realizing that I was selected to be an exchange student brought me to tears. Coming from a low-income family, it was hard to believe that my big dream came true. 

An exchange year is not a year in life, but a life in a year. Being an exchange student with YES totally changed my life. I went from a girl who didn’t have many opportunities, to an opportunity recipient and provider at the same time. The YES program is not only an opportunity provider, but it is also like a tool which helps bring out the abilities one has inside, maybe abilities you didn’t even realize you had. Many youth have various abilities, but don’t get many chances or places to show what they have. The YES program gave me a chance to develop my abilities and grow in many ways.  

Being in the US did not only improve my English skills, but also widened my world. Since the first moment I stepped out of my country, it was the beginning of the world as a big classroom. Every minute was so meaningful. I still remember the first time I talked to my host family on Facebook. Both of us were so excited to meet each other. My times with Armstrong family were filled with valuable lessons and unforgettable memories. My most favorite moment was when my host mom and I exchanged the Thai and American recipes. I was so lucky that my host family liked Thai food, so I could cook some Thai dishes for them and my host mom taught me to cook some American dishes. Another moment that I loved was when my host family took me to visit relatives and they considered me as a part of the family. They made me feel like the U.S. was my second home.

Besides my host family, my American friends and teachers gave me a wonderful experience. I met many nice Americans who helped me during challenging times. Teachers from Palmyra – Macedon high school helped me to design my lesson plan, something I would never have had a chance to do in Thailand. They tried their best to help me improve my English. I joined two sport teams and three clubs which allowed me to meet new people including my American best friends with whom I still keep in touch. I also had many opportunities to do community service which fully motivated me to be a volunteer as I am today. Since I came back to my country, I have enrolled in over 20 community service projects, and I will continue to be a part of developing my community in the future as well. 

Before I went to the States, I was at first afraid that I would have a hard time there being a Muslim because I had heard the term “Islamophobia.” But my exchange year showed that there wasn’t anything to fear, especially if you’re open-minded and open to learning and sharing about differences. A memorable moment during my exchange year was when my friends told me that “you made me love Muslims. I have never known that Muslims are like this before. It is against what I see on TV and social media.” At that moment, it was like I reached the goal that I had unconsciously set. I am so glad that many Americans whom I know are more open to Muslims. I have to say a big thanks to the YES program for providing me with a life-changing experience and helping me be a changemaker working for a better world.