By Lebishka Seloska, YES 2013-2014, Macedonia, hosted by PAX in El Paso, TX

My experience in the U.S. was totally amazing. Of course there were ups and downs, but in the end, the only thing I remember is that there is a reason for everything. The YES program offered me many chances; I grabbed them and they motivated me to be a better person and to help my country to have a better tomorrow.  

While in the U.S., I volunteered for many hours in my school and host city. When I got back to Macedonia, I had already planned projects and activities that I wanted to implement in my town, which meant I was already half prepared. I started with workshops with students from primary school, then engaged in volunteering activities in collaboration with the local Red Cross, and attended many seminars and conferences. I am now involved with many NGOs. My biggest project was opening a tutoring and mentoring club for students from primary and, eventually, secondary school. The club is a place where students learn school material and additional, useful topics through games, music, drama, and other activities. More than 100 students are involved with this club throughout the year.

This month, I plan to organize workshops for students on making decisions, building character, and taking initiative, as well as self-empowerment. I hope to help them realize that they cannot always be followers, and that sometimes, they need to be leaders. Together, I hope we will be able to come up with ideas for projects like seminars, conferences, and free English lessons that will impact smaller cities in Macedonia that rarely have such opportunities.

I also hope to take action to combat irregularities at my university. During the last exam session, there was a lot of cheating. I feel my university needs to address this, because we are the future of this country, and what we learn today, we will need to convey to the next generation. How can you be a good example for someone and convey good manners and ethics if you do not have these qualities yourself?

YES made be better person. I stand against wrong; I take initiative; I think of the good of my community and country; and I want to make changes.