By Atiqua Prithu (YES 2018-2019, Bangladesh, hosted by BFF in Benson, NC)

Being an exchange student isn't only about exchanging culture but it's also about exchanging memories. And that's what I have been doing for the past few days. Either it's with all the other exchange students and the amazing teachers at DC Orientation or here in North Carolina where I am placed. My host community is just so beautiful and I love it here. School hasn't started yet but I have met the teachers and few students and they are all so welcoming! I have been to a church and it was nothing like I had expected it to be. The experience at church was really euphoric. I have also been to a concert and I just loved it there. In a few days I have already made memories to last me a lifetime and the best part is that there's more to come. 

It's all about expanding your horizons and looking beyond the boundaries that has been created by the cultural gap and stereotypical thinkings. And that's what we are here for, to break the stereotypes. Living in a new country amongst new people is hard but they never said it's going to be easy. But we exchange students like it to be challenging. 

I always wanted to come in America, it was a dream. I would watch Hollywood movies and imagine being a high school student here but never had that young version of me thought that I would get to see that imagination come true. It's incredulous.

Saying yes to YES is one of the most best and beautiful decision one can take for themselves. Because in this journey not only do we get to discover ourselves but we also get to become a whole new person with a more meaningful life.

I am excited to let my peers know about the culture in my country. I can't wait to induce some Bangladeshi culture here in my school.

I have my shoelaces tied and ready to step on any adventure that comes my way!