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Conquer Your Fears

Maha With Her Host Family In Their House

Written by Maha Imtiaz, YES 2013-2014

Once one of my teachers said, "Always keep your expectations low and you will get the best of everything." A cross-cultural exchange is nothing like you expect it to be yet everything you wanted it to be. Exchange is something you will never forget, something that will always be a part of you. It is not a year in life, but "A LIFE" in a year, and it is upon us to "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT.” I believe that respecting diversity, celebrating differences, and sharing traditions is the true spirit of a YES exchange year.



My name is Maha Imtiaz. I am an exchange student from Pakistan currently living in Washington state. I have shared my culture and learned about U.S. values during the last five months of my exchange. I have come to know things about my self, which I did not imagine before. I was scared to talk to new people but now I think that it is fun to interact with new people as a way to learn about yourself and about the world. It also gives you a new experience and new knowledge.

People think being an exchange student is scary but I will be glad to tell them that this is the opportunity to overcome your fears. I started meeting new people during my International Education Week (IEW) celebration at my school. During my first presentation about my country I was very nervous as it was my first time speaking in front of people who I don't know. After giving ten presentations I felt more confident than ever before and now I have given 56 presentations in my different classes.

After IEW I started doing community service. I have already completed 314 hours of community service and am trying to reach 400 hours before returning home. I love giving back to the community! I also like to visit with my neighbors and often help some of the seniors when they need me. One couple has begun calling me their daughter!  In my country there is no community service system so it was completely new for me. I hope to introduce this good work back home in Pakistan.

High school has definitely been a highlight of my year so far.
 I received a certificate for Student of First Quarter for my positive attitude and confidence in giving so many presentations. I have also participated in yearbook, Key Club, Photography Club, and a solo ensemble contest in orchestra. I joined the basketball team and look forward to joining tennis for the spring. These clubs have helped me develop my leadership skills.
This year has been an amazing and unforgettable year. It has helped me to over come many of my fears. In return I have tried my best to be an ambassador of my country. I am learning from my experience that the real test in life is to conquer your fears.

Collage Of Maha Doing Different Activities Around Her Community To Include Gardening Seeing Baseball Games And Volunteering
Collage Of Photo Of Maha And Peers And Her Giving Presentations In Different Classrooms

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