By Syeda Mah Noor Asad, YES 2016-2017, Pakistan, hosted by ACES in Redding, California

My cultural exchange experience in the U.S. as a YES student has been truly fulfilling and life-changing. While living in Pakistan, I felt an urge to see the world, but I never thought this dream of mine would transform into a reality. Suddenly, I encountered an amazing opportunity to participate in the YES program and now, here I am! I've been spending my time as an exchange student in Northern California, in the city of Redding, the land of mesmerizing beauty.

My name is Syeda Mah Noor Asad and I’m from Pakistan. In my country, I live in a highly-populated city without many trees, but with a lot of buildings. Prior to becoming a YES student, I felt the urge to explore a different environment. I wanted to experience the suburbs and be surrounded by rivers and mountains. Geographically, spending my YES year in Northern California has made my dream a reality. One of my most memorable moments so far has been visiting the ocean for the first time in my life. I have never seen anything more beautiful and powerful.

During my YES journey, there have been so many other moments that have given me the opportunity to see the world. From visiting Trinidad with my host family to exploring the lovely city of San Francisco, I've realized that every location has its own personality and beauty. Even a populous city full of diversity is as beautiful as a small suburb with pastures and lakes.  

As a YES student, I have seen parts of the world beyond my imagination. Through travel and positive interactions with people I have met on my journey, I've learned so much about the world in just six months! My memories lie in the relationships I have built, the miles I have traveled, and the experiences I have encountered along the way. 

This is the world through my eyes, and it’s beautiful.