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Alumni Instructor Series: Qurat from Pakistan

Independence Day Project 2017

By Qurat-Ul-Ain (YES 2015-16, Pakistan, hosted by AIFS/AYA in Brooklyn Park, MN)

Traveling halfway across globe by myself to live apart from my family for a year was extremely exhilarating, yet also intimidating, to my 16-year-old self. I was honored to be trusted to represent my beloved country of Pakistan and its rich culture, but I had my doubts. "Would I be able to adjust to a new environment?" and "English isn't even my native language!" were just a few examples of my many concerns. But as soon as I landed in my host state of Minnesota and met the incredible Johnson family, all my reservations started to fade away.

Desi Christmas With The Johnsons
A Desi Christmas with her host family, the Johnsons

Living with the Johnsons seemed natural, and the warmth of their embrace ensured I never felt out of place. In fact, I felt a strong sense of belonging. They not only opened the doors of their home to me, but wholeheartedly accepted me as a part of their family. From helping me choose my outfits to teaching me American values, my host mom made sure that I had the opportunity to understand the true essence of American culture. My host dad taught me how to do chores and introduced me to activities I had never tried before, such as fishing and skiing, and, as a result, showed me the American values of being independent and trying new things. It was due to their encouragement that I was able to live my ultimate American dream.

Sharing Culture Through Henna
Sharing culture through henna

With the unwavering support of my host family, teachers, and coaches, I participated in a number of clubs and activities at Park Center Senior High School. From learning how to center clay in my ceramics class to learning the basics of diplomacy in my international relations class, the urge to feed my curiosity through new and different activities broadened my horizons in many different ways. 

I was in awe of my close-knit American host community and wondered how a diverse community could get along so well. Then I was introduced to the concept of community service. Soon I found myself interacting more with my host community and noticed within myself that I had become more compassionate.

Demonstrating How To Plant Trees At The Green Wave Project
Planting trees with the Green Wave project

I’ve always had the desire to represent my country and bridge the gap between Pakistan and the Western world, which often does not know much about Pakistan beyond the headlines. The YES program provided me with a platform to break stereotypes about Pakistan within my host community and do the same for the United States upon my return to Pakistan.

After spending ten adventurous months experiencing life in the U.S., I returned back home with a fresh perspective of the world. The time I spent in America transformed me into a more tolerant, independent, and informed individual and equipped me with an unparalleled experience which taught me a lot about myself and the world at large. Together with the YES Alumni Association in Pakistan, I learned to tackle some of the challenges my community faces through community service projects focused on issues of poverty, hunger, climate change, and interfaith dialogue. These projects include, but are not limited to, Ramadan ration drives, clothing drives, interfaith harmony workshops, and environmental projects which have benefited hundreds of citizens in my hometown of Hyderabad. 

Interfaith Harmony Project At A Local Temple In Hyderabad Pakistan
Interfaith harmony project at a temple in Hyperbad

I am currently a recent high school graduate applying to universities to pursue a major in International Relations. The YES program laid the foundation for my career. It helped me identify my passion to work for the betterment of my community by highlighting issues on the national and international level and guided my desire to engage with politicians and global stakeholders to find solutions to mutually shared problems.

I am beyond thrilled to have been selected as an Alumni Instructor for the YES DC arrival orientations this year, and I cannot wait to share my experiences with the newest cohort of YES ambassadors from all over the world. I look forward to being on the other side of exchange as an instructor and learning more about this phenomenal program from a different perspective. To the YES class of 2020, congratulations! You have so much potential and are among a few chosen ones. Make the most out of every single opportunity you come across, document your journey, and have an amazing exchange year.


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