By Elisabeth Vigna Dibega (YES 2019-2020, Cameroon, placed by World Link in Belleville, IL)

My host family was undoubtedly one of the most impactful aspects of my YES experience. As a family, we did so many activities together, such as hiking, attending festivals, and visiting restaurants and museums. Since my host dad is an Orthodox priest, we also spent four days in a monastery. Spending that time without any access to a phone or computer was such a great experience, and it allowed me to better understand my host family’s religion and beliefs.

My host family also helped me overcome a lifelong fear of riding a bike. Ever since I was young, my brothers discouraged me from learning to ride a bike, making me afraid to fall and hurt myself. However, my host dad and brother helped me finally master bike riding. I started on a small bike before moving to a normal one, and my host dad and brother practiced with me every day. Once I finally had the hang of it, bike riding became a regular activity that we bonded over. When I finally learned how to ride a bike, I felt like I could achieve anything as long as I kept trying.

In addition to riding a bike, my host family taught me so much, and they learned from me too. I taught them how to cook Cameroonian dishes and what daily life is like in Cameroon. My host parents taught me that you don’t need to be wealthy to have a positive impact on others, and my host brothers taught me to persevere and never give up, even when things are difficult. Through my host family, I learned that I cannot expect myself to be the best at everything, but I can always do my best to be a better person.

My exchange year shaped me into a new person, the person that I am today. I became more willing to engage in my community, and am not afraid to share what I think. I persevere even in difficult situations, and even make new opportunities out of them. I became a better person, someone who was more positive and enthusiastic about life. Through the YES program, I learned that you can be a thousand miles away from home and still feel as if you’re in a place where you have always belonged.

Since I returned to Cameroon, I have participated in many volunteer activities in my community. I also participated in the YES Project Management in Practice workshop, and I have been helping my classmates in English and public speaking.