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By Idrissa Maiga (YES 2019-2020, Mali, placed with CIEE in York, SC)

When I started my journey to United States of America, I had mixed feelings. On one side I was excited to go to the America that I saw in movies and I wanted to experience the great American culture but on the other side, I was feeling sad about leaving behind my friends and the place I was born and spent my childhood. 

When we landed and saw my host family for the first time, I just felt happy. I could not speak perfect English yet, but they could understand my beautiful smile. When we stepped out from the airport, I thought I was dreaming. I was breathing such thin air that it felt like my mind was flying in the sky.

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My best memory with my host family was our trip to Minneapolis. Travelling to Minneapolis helped me see the United States through another perspective. In the U.S. there is lots of diversity in culture, lifestyle, and environment. Other activities that I really enjoyed with my host family and host community were mountain climbing, doing community service with my host father and school friends, and cooking with my host mother. Through this journey, I gained experiences and solid relationships. 

In my host school in South Carolina, my favourite class was computer science due the fact that I was interested in learning something that is modern, and my teacher was nice to me, too.

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When I got back to Mali from the U.S., my idea was that I didn't want to go back to what I had before, so I brainstormed some project ideas to help support my family. One of my projects was helping students with their studies and schoolwork. I also helped create a community fund for people who need support with their project ideas in order to reduce the rate of unemployment. 

I also try to participate in YES alumni activities as well! So far we have done some activities, like the Americans with Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary, to make an understanding on the importance of everybody in the community. 

The YES program really was the best experience of my life. Thanks to the State Department for this opportunity!


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