Photo:  Wissal says, "I am a Nature enthusiast and one of my hobbies that I picked up in the US from my host family is to hike. This was my favorite hike of 2017.”

As we wrap up the Morocco week for the YES 15th Anniversary celebrations, we look back on the achievements of the alumni from Morocco. Wissal Ben Moussa (YES 2005 - 2006, hosted by Aspect in Bremerton, WA) was in the very first group of YES students from her country. 

How has more than a decade passed for Wissal, after her life changing time on YES? She explains:  

“I was only 17 years old when I traveled abroad for the first time with the YES program in 2005. I discovered a new country but also new concepts of cultural appreciation, community, and civic engagement. I truly believe that my exchange experience fundamentally changed me for the better; it had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth.

Today, I am a 29 year old social entrepreneur, aiming to start my own business. My startup will help developing local products from the south of Morocco using a social and solidarity economic model. For me it is an opportunity to give back to the local community by driving growth and added value but also by providing skills and resources.”

Photo: Wissal in 2006 with friends in the US.