By Zeineb Ouali (YES 2022-2023, Tunisia, placed by World Link in Amarillo, TX)

Hey, I’m Zeineb and I am a YES 2022 - 23 student currently on program! Today I wanted to share a story really dear to my heart in appreciation of what the YES program has offered over the past few months. 

Joining band for the first time in my life in a brand new high school, without any knowledge or expectation whatsoever, I would be lying if I said I knew what I was getting into. All I knew was that I wanted to learn a new instrument and challenge myself. Little did I know that this decision would turn out to be one of the highlights of my exchange year so far.

Band has given me the chance to discover new things about myself, to learn how to play the euphonium and to acquire noble values such as discipline, teamwork and selflessness. It has given me the opportunity to make new friends and to be a part of a new historic legacy within my school. It has been a blast going to football games and competitions as well as having fun rehearsing on the field and learning new music and drill each and every day. 

Was is tiring? Yes. But was it worth it? Definitely.

Band has granted me a multitude of life-long skills that I am sure will come in handy for me in the future. I am so grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity I got to experience, and I am looking forward to making many more band memories! Thank you YES!