YES Programs

MENU  

STORIES


Flourishing as a Young Lady through My Exchange Year

Img 20191005 100637 918

By Tilyan Aslam (YES 2019-20, Pakistan, hosted by PAX in Indianapolis, IN)

Some decisions in life end up with the unexpectedly good results and similarly, coming to U.S. on the YES program is the best decision I have taken in my life so far. It may sound a little cliché, but just like the other exchange students, the first two months of my exchange year has been beyond amazing. I find growth and maturity in myself each day. I am a much more responsible individual than I was a month ago. 

When I recall the old me a year ago, I was a very different person than I am today. I was frightened and unadventurous. Often asking myself why I was not brave enough and why I could not approach people as easily as others. Though for some, I was confident and brave, I only felt confident as far as I can remember but never brave. I was afraid of people’s approval and their comments. But when I look back and compare the past ME with the present ME, I realize how much I have changed: the way I approach people, raising my hand for every activity, not being afraid of anything I feared before, knowing that everyone has differences and flaws and that's what makes the world an incredible place to live. My transformation through my exchange year makes me realize that no matter what we think of ourselves, how good or bad we think we are or how unhappy our life is, there is always a way to be good again and that there are countless possibilities in life.

Img 20191005 100632 857
With other young female advocates and leaders in my women empowerment club.

The reason behind all these positive changes and possibilities in my life is definitely my exchange year. This exchange year has not only changed my perspective towards life but has given me so many opportunities and ways to flourish and be a much stronger, smarter, and bolder young lady. I have always wanted to work for women empowerment and be an advocate for young girls in my home community. With the firm passion and determination for this, I found a club in my city where young ladies from different backgrounds work together for empowering girls. I've attended the workshops and meetings of the girls and have met so many female leaders and have worked with them. I have also discussed about the problems young girls face in different countries and have negotiated with female leaders for finding solutions to these issues. Furthermore, I have recently started vlogging where I make videos of different experiences during my exchange year. I have also started to write my travelogue and I am so eager for it to get published after my exchange year. Life could not be this wonderful and things could not be this great without my exchange year.

I am forever grateful to YES for this amazing opportunity which has helped me to be the young lady I have always wanted to be. I will always be grateful to my host parents because they play a very vital role in my betterment and have made my dreams not only mine but also theirs and a big thanks to my natural parents who allowed me to pursue my dreams.

Img 20191003 054338 121
At an event with other PAX students.

Within these few months, I have learned the art of life. Other than a strong young lady, I have become very open and accepting. I go to church three times a week for volunteering which has broadened my mind and perspective towards different religions.The best part is that I have completed 60 hours of community service so far and I am really happy about that. I hope to do better each day and make a difference. I have decided that when I go back to  my home country, Pakistan, I will try my best to inspire and empower the young generation, particularly girls to be focused and determined towards their goals and try their fullest to achieve them.

To all my YES fellows: what I have learned so far in my exchange year is that things are not always easy but they are never impossible. Sometimes, we have to look up to life in a different way, take spontaneous decisions, expect less, knock the door of opportunities ourselves, embrace our flaws, make mistakes, and learn from them. One more thing I would like to add is for all those fellows who are homesick, please do not compare your exchange year with the experiences that other students are having. Everyone has a different and unique year. It is okay if you are not as active as others and it is okay if you can not make friends easily. Things will eventually get better. Just be patient, flexible, and strong. Do not overstress. Everyone has scars and imperfections and that is what makes them beautifully unique.  

We should keep learning, chasing our dreams, and be constantly changing, shifting, and improving. We should all live and cherish each moment of our exchange year because this year will never come back again.


Share: