By Abrar Hussain (YES 2022-2023, Pakistan, placed by Ayusa in Windsor, CO)

I never imagined coming to the United States and having an amazing kickoff of my exchange year. Finally the journey has started and this will never end. Thank you to the YES program that made this exchange year possible for me. The experiences here so far have been phenomenal for me, as I got one of the best host parents and a brother from Senegal as a double placement. They have made my exchange year amazing and truly unforgettable. I went to an American wedding with my host family which was so fun. I learned so much about American as well as Mexican culture since the bride's family was Mexican. I also went hiking with my host siblings and seeing the beauty of Colorado's high mountains reminded me of my own hometown in Pakistan.

The high school experience here is amazing since I had the chance to choose courses of my own interest like Robotics. I am enjoying it so much. We are currently building robots for the state championship. The teachers at school are so nice and helpful. Every day here comes with a new experience. My birthday was on September 12th and we had my birthday party at my home with my friends. I was also invited to another friend's birthday, and that party was full of joy.

I started volunteering at an observatory center, at town's park as well as many other fundraiser activities. I have learnt so many things about working for the community and I will surely keep volunteering after my exchange year. I have a vision of establishing a welfare organization after my mother's name in the future. Furthermore, I am in my school's International organization club and I brought up the challenge of finding clean drinking water in Tanzania. They liked my idea and we have started fundraising for the project, which was a great step to benefit the community.

My first ever baseball experience in my life was in Rockies Stadium Denver, Colorado. I was not familiar with baseball before and did not know any of the rules, but my host dad was explaining everything to me during the game. It was so fun, I even purchased some souvenirs from the stores out there and the view from the top of the stadium was spectacular. There was a fireworks show after the game and it made the night more exciting. I also recently made Pakistani food for my host family and it was pretty good. My host parents love to learn about the Pakistani culture and we always have fruitful conversations. We play card games as well as a bunch of games throughout the week which is a new thing for me. Even though it is still the beginning of my exchange year, I have already done so many things with them, which includes visiting new places, and trying different cuisines.

I am truly thankful to the YES program, which made this all possible. I would really like to do more adventures with my host family, share my culture with them, get to know American culture, do a lot of volunteering and represent my country as a true ambassador. The time that I am spending here with the beautiful people creating endless bonds, memories and friendships will surely last forever. I already have so many stories to tell. I am so thankful for this lifetime experience that is truly never ending and thus, I can surely say that this is a start of a never ending journey and a new chapter of my book.