YES students are always learning that nothing is impossible...not even receiving a letter from a former U.S. President in the mail! That's exactly what happened to YES student, Khadija Sohail Shafi (YES 2016-2017, Pakistan, hosted by World Learning in Paw Paw, MI). 

In the fall of 2016, Khadija wrote to former U.S. President Barack Obama, and earlier this week, she received a response from him! In the letter, Khadija expressed her admiration for the 44th President, her passion for women's rights, and her plans for the future. 

The former President replied with appreciation and assured Khadija that he will continue to work towards the advancement of youth. He wrote, "Being President has been the greatest privilege of my life, and while my term is coming to an end, that doesn't mean I'll stop fighting to make sure doors of opportunity are wide open for you and your generation."  

As an advocate for women's rights and a social good agent, Khadija's motivation to write a letter to Mr. Obama derives from her zeal to make a difference. In Pakistan, Khadija works with a non-profit organization that builds schools in underserved communities. 

At the schools, Khadija teaches English and uses art as a way for the students to portray their future goals. Additionally, in the U.S., Khadija exercises her public speaking abilities to talk about women's rights in school.

At the conclusion of her letter to the former President, Khadija wrote, "Thank you for being a great inspiration, a great man, and an even greater President." 

Khadija has already submitted her ideas to the Barack Obama Foundation's website for the advancement of women's education.