By Adem Ajroudi (YES 2019-2020, Tunisia, placed by AFS-USA in Redwood City, CA)

The YES program was a pivotal point in my life. It was an educational experience and honed my global perspective and leadership skills. In 2020, I participated in the Camellia Art Show, a yearly exhibition of the flower harvest in Redwood City, CA. Two of my flower photographs were exhibited at the festival. This milestone ignited my passion for art and photography.

Recently, I was humbled to share my photography at an exhibition in Seoul, South Korea hosted by Apollo, a visual arts initiative led by students at Minerva University. My photographs, taken in Tunisia, captured my perspective on Tunisian culture. I highlighted scenes of daily life blending with age-old traditions. The theme of the exhibition, “Direction,” resonated deeply with me. It encouraged me and my fellow students to explore and interpret the concept of direction through our art.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, from capturing moments with my phone in Tunisia to showcasing my work in Seoul. My time as a student at Minerva University and my involvement with Apollo has provided the direction and inspiration I needed to turn my passion into reality. I am honored to have been recognized as an emerging artist in fine art photography and I owe much of my success to the YES program. I am eager to see where my next journey will take me as I explore new opportunities and creative ventures around the world.