From rock concerts to waterfalls, Azra Tosun (YES 2024-25, Turkiye, placed by AFS-USA in Milwaukie, OR) has had a great start to her YES program year. Hosted in Oregon, Azra had the unique opportunity to serve as an Outdoor School camp counselor where she led a group of younger students and taught them about natural sciences and the outdoors. During this community service project, Azra was able to share about her home country and taught the kids a few words and phrases in Turkish. Azra loved being able to connect with younger students and made a lifelong impact on her fellow counselors and the younger students.

Azra represents her home country of Türkiye and the YES program well with her strong engagement in her host school and community. She enrolled into five AP level courses, sings and plays piano in her school’s choir, joined the National Honors Society, and has a spot on her school’s JV soccer team. In her host community, she volunteers her time assisting with a local nonprofit organization called Abby’s Closet, which aims to inspire confidence in young high schoolers by providing them with free formal dresses for events such as Prom.

Azra has become confident and determined since arriving in the United States. Like many students, it was challenging at first for Azra to make friends at school. But she has been determined to make this a great exchange year. Azra challenged herself to get involved in school events such as the homecoming senior dance competition which required her to get to school early every day for several weeks learning dances and making friends. Azra continues to put herself out there in positive ways to engage with her peers and is building lasting friendships.

Azra has been trying new things such as celebrating Halloween, going camping with her host family (where she discovered S’mores) and even trying oysters! Azra continues to impress her school, host family and local volunteers. Way to go Azra!