By Talat Mursalin Alif, YES 2016-2017, Bangladesh, hosted by FLAG in Bernalillo, NM

My name is Talat Mursalin Alif and I am an exchange student from Bangladesh. I never thought that I would be able to be an exchange student, so the day I heard that I was selected for the YES program, I was too happy to express in words. I have always wanted to work in science, but in my country, we don't have the advanced technology and proper management for it. My one and only dream has been to work with American science and technology, and to meet its wonderful people, which is a big part of why I applied for YES. 

As a YES scholar, I have tried to teach my friends, host family and teachers about my country, and to learn everything that I can while I am here. I also started working hard on a project at school; my friends and I worked day and night to learn American technology and modern coding. Our hard work paid off! Our school got first place in New Mexico for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. I feel proud of myself, and honored that I get to work with such wonderful people during my exchange year. 

Now we need your help! Please spread our news and help us fundraise, so that we have the chance to go to the finals in New York! 

(Photo credit for both photos: Marla Brose, Albuquerque Journal)