YES student Houssam Metni from Morocco with H.E. Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Washington, D.C.

By Houssam Metni, YES 2014-2015, Morocco, hosted by AFS in Gaithersburg, MD

This year has definitely been one of the best years I have ever lived, and one of the most challenging too. It's incredible how one can change so much in a few months. I can say that my life in the U.S. was a great success, and that I am very happy to have made the key decision to spend this year abroad.

One of the biggest changes that occured involves my perspective of the world. The diversity that I found here in America opened my eyes, and made me really understand how similar we all are deep inside, no matter how different our race, religion, country, culture, background or beliefs. This year made me know who I am, and made me proud to represent my home country, Morocco, as a youth ambassador chosen to promote understanding between different cultures.

The one thing that I enjoyed the most about being in the U.S. was volunteering. It taught me how good it feels to help a community grow. A major highlight of my year was volunteering with the Adoption Program that the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco put on in partnership with the Washington Performing Arts for 5th and 6th grade DC public school students.

I gave three presentations in coordination with the Cultural Section of the Embassy, and they were fascinating! Keep in mind that I had given several presentations during International Educational Week last year, but these presentations were delivered in front of an audience of young elementary schools kids; their curiosity, eagerness to learn, and interest in expanding their knowledge was superb, and inspired me to give one of my most successful presentations. It was amazing how their knowledge grew from the first day, when they didn't know anything about Morocco, to the last day when they knew all about our customs, daily lives, handicrafts, and geography.

After the program ended, the students, their teachers and I were invited to the Embassy to have a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal. When I received the invitation, I was happier than ever; it has always been a dream of mine to become an ambassador one day! As expected, the students completely demonstrated their knowledge in front of the Ambassador, and he was very happy and proud.

I want to express my gratitude to the U.S. Department of State and AFS for making this happen, especially my coordinator Mrs. Jody Axinn, along with Mrs. Carol Muskin and Mr. Eric Ramirez. I also want to thank both my Moroccan and my American host family, and friends from all over for supporting me, along with everyone that has made my experience priceless and memorable. I can't wait to take action in the world one day as a YES alumnus and achieve my dreams!