By Merville Njounkeng Daize (YES 2017-2018 Cameroon, hosted by PAX in Zanesville, IN)

I would describe my exchange year in America as magnificent so far. A trip to Washington D.C. for Civic Education Week made for even more memories during my time in the U.S. It was one week that I will never forget because I made a number of new friends and relationships that will continue after CEW.

During CEW, I learned various life lessons like leadership skills. I had the opportunity to speak to many great leaders. I enjoyed speaking to Senator Donnelly from my host- state of Indiana. I chose to ask these prominent leaders and state representatives, "What is one skill that a good leader should have?" Most of them mentioned good listening skills. I plan on utilizing these skills in group projects in class. It was very inspiring to visit the monuments of great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Lincoln, Jefferson and many other historic figures. These visits reminded me that we should be the change we wish to see in the world.  

Lastly, I am proud to say I conquered my fear of escalators! I would like to give a special shout-out and thank you to Jonathan and my friend Madona Rumenova (2017-2018 Bulgaria, hosted by PAX in Bluffton, IN). I'm not sure I could have overcome my fear without their help. I feel more confident saying "Anything is possible!" as long as we believe we can do it and continuously strive to maintain our goals. 

I am really grateful to the YES program for making a life dream possible. I look forward to making a change in my community after participating in grassroots projects during the workshop and listening to older alumni speak about their own community service participation and projects. Overall, this workshop gave me more courage and I plan on making a change in my community when I become a YES alumni.