By Moustapha Kebe, YES 2015-2016 Senegal, hosted by World Link in North English, IA

Before coming to the United States, I used to hear some negative things about the people here and the way they treat others, but through volunteering, I’ve realized that Americans are very giving and compassionate. In particular, working with youth groups has changed my life. I have been involved with two different youth groups this year, one at my host family’s church in North English, IA, and the other at my friend’s family’s church in Webster, IA. Each group meets on Wednesday night, so I alternate between the two. Some of the best community experiences that I’ve done with my youth groups include: collecting school items to be donated to kids around the world; organizing and delivering Christmas gifts and cookies to people in my host community; and packing Christmas shoeboxes to be sent to children from low-income families. Throughout my YES program year, I realized that my comfort-zone is getting bigger and better thanks to the community service that I’ve done. I’m learning many lessons that I can take back to Senegal with me. When I become a YES alumnus, I want to encourage people to volunteer in their communities and make a difference to others.

In March, I attended the Civic Education Workshop in Washington, D.C., which improved by knowledge of American volunteerism and allowed me to understand that it is a key value of American life. The workshop provided me with the knowledge, experience, motivation, and determination to address issues facing Senegal. I will try my best to use my new leadership skills and knowledge to find solutions to the issues in my community.

Related to my CEW experience, I also had the opportunity to visit my local city hall and interview the city manager. I learned about her job and what services the city government provides to its citizens. I got to look at the city ordinance binder that governs the town. The city manager let me sit in the mayor's chair and she answered all of my questions. I appreciated learning more about the town that I live in, as it is different from my home in Senegal.

In addition to volunteering, the best thing about my experience so far has been sharing my religion with others. I know that some people believe what they see on TV about Islam, but now the people that I have talked with understand that Muslims are not terrorists. Through my presentations, I think that people have gained a better understanding about Islam being a peaceful religion and Muslims being peaceful people. I think it’s very important that I help spread peace around the world. That has been my most important role this year.

I have accomplished many of my other goals during the year: making friends; sharing my Senegalese culture; being an active part of my community, school, and host family; getting involved in extracurricular activities (sports and student council); talking about my religion to give people a better understanding of Islam. All of these good things have helped make me comfortable during my stay in the United States. Through these experiences, I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with many people, allowing for cross-cultural exchange.

I think that I have learned and grown a lot since I’ve been in the United States. If all teenagers had the chance to experience another culture and religion, we would all understand each other better.