Host Community: Aledo, Illinois

Country: Bahrain

Placement Organization: ACES

 

During her year as a citizen ambassador for Bahrain, the June YES Student of the Month, Abrar Abdulla, took up community service with a passion, logging in 140 volunteer hours. She helped weekly at Aledo, IL’s food pantry and volunteered at Loving Hugs, a not-for-profit that collects stuffed animals for children in war zones, orphanages, and refugee camps. Participating in a Hunger Summit, Abrar learned about poverty in developed countries. She acquired valuable skills that she plans to use as a young leader in thefuture.  Abrar intends to share her experience with others and continue volunteering withthe hope of improving her community.

Abrar was the first student in her school who wore a headscarf. She made it her goal as a cultural ambassador to be kind to all and to give her teachers and classmates a better understanding of her religion and the Middle East.

Abrar’s host father, Paul Perkins, writes, “Abrar has shown maturity and confidence in answering frank questions about her culture’s dating, marriage, dress, and religious practices. Our friends are curious, but like many Americans have assumptions about life in other countries, especially in the Middle East.  Abrar was polite, honest, and confident as she addressed each question that was put in front of her. Her warmth and disarming smile has captured the hearts of our friends and family.”

Congratulations, Abrar!

Honorable Mention: Nur Pratama 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Nur (left) with friends before the Senior Prom.

 

An enthusiastic musician, Nur freely shared his musical talents during his year in Arcata, CA, and used them to build bridges between cultures. Nur has a passion for music and was actively involved in the Arcata Arts Institute, a school within his high school for visual and performing arts. Nur became known in his school and community not only as a pianist but as a percussionist and singer. Despite his considerable musical talent, Nur learned to read music only after he came on program. Nur played percussion in his school orchestra and was awarded “Best Rhythm” by his peers. He traveled to New York City with theorchestra where they played at Carnegie Hall. He sang with his school choir throughoutthe year, performing both solos and duets and was chosen to be a soloist for graduation.  He was also involved in the yearbook and video production at his school.

Outside of school, Nur joined the Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir, which performed regularly throughout the year. During his final week on program he had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Arcata Ball Park with the group. In addition, he sang in theHumboldt Unitarian Universalist Choir and played percussion in a winter concert for theEureka Symphony.

Nur was always willing to lend a hand when he was needed. He played the piano and sang at a Rotary International event in his community and played piano for Suzuki violin performances for young students. With his school groups, he had numerous performances in the community. He also assisted at a bike rodeo for Arcata city, where he enjoyed helping children gain confidence.

Nur suffered an injury during his YES year, but he never let it stop him from experiencing his exchange to the fullest. According to his host mother, “Nur is a Super YES student! We have hosted many…he has done the best at seeking out and following our suggestions for ways to be involved this year.”

 

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