By Shahjan Munir (YES 2022-2023, Pakistan, placed by AYA/AIFS in Veneta, OR)

Traveling to a foreign land can be both thrilling and intimidating, as one is engulfed by homesickness and the challenge of navigating a new experience. I was selected as a participant for the Kennedy-Lugar YES program (Youth Exchange and Study program), a program funded by the U.S. Department of State. It was the sweltering heat of June 2022 in the Kech district of Balochistan when I received a phone call congratulating me on my selection. Hearing the news of my selection brought overwhelming joy to my family and a deep sense of profound gratitude. Spending a year in the United States of America was very interesting. I learned firsthand about the country's innovative spirit. Moreover, I observed their resilience in overcoming stereotypes and challenges. Let me tell some of the valuable lessons I have learned during my stay in America

Initially, I had a hard time adjusting. I missed my family back in Pakistan. Eventually, I settled in Veneta with my host family, The Rubys. I enrolled in Elmira High School. The Ruby family took me to dinner, where we had a wonderful discussion. We also watched a soccer match that my host brother played in. I found a place I could call home in America. The Ruby family consisted of six members: my host parents Johnny and Amanda, my host sister Aduray, and my host brothers Ray, Bryce, and Levi. I learned a lot from my American host family, who loved each other deeply and supported me when I was far from home.

From my host parents, I learned about the importance of working hard. They gave their children tasks and encouraged them to do volunteer work. My host sister, Aduray, inspired me with her independence; she owned a house, a car, and property. My host brothers, Ray, Bryce, and Levi, were outgoing and friendly. Ray, the eldest, had a talent for making friends, as he was very active and always eager to participate in everything.

Apart from my wonderful family, I also had the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and participate in thought-provoking activities. Amazingly, I was selected for the Better Understanding for a Better World (BUBW) Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Baltimore, Maryland that took place on April 26, 2023. BUBW aims to foster interfaith harmony and address cultural, social, economic, and political issues through engaging conversations and workshops. During the conference, we visited a synagogue, church, and mosque, highlighting the importance of resolving religious differences to create a better world.

One of the most remarkable experiences was witnessing a priest, a mullah, and a rabbi together on the same platform, teaching the profound message that all humans are equal and that every religion advocates for humanity. Seeing these religious leaders united in their message of equality and compassion was both inspiring and eye-opening. I learned that despite our diverse backgrounds, we all share the same dreams and feelings. Whether from the US or the West Indies, whether Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or Hindu, we are all part of the same human family. Before leaving Baltimore, I pledged to contribute to making the world a better place. I deeply appreciate the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) for organizing this transformative event. I am committed to carrying forward the values and lessons I gained to promote interfaith harmony and global peace.

Something that was very interesting to me was how Americans interact with animals, particularly dogs. One day, while having dinner at my host-parents’ house, my host-mother asked me if we keep dogs at our homes like they do. I shook my head and responded with a big “No.” I explained that there are thousands of stray and homeless dogs roaming our streets, and very few people take care of them. She was completely surprised. She told me that the situation is very different in America. Everyone had a dog on a leash, obediently following their owners. My host-mother also said that there are strict animal rights laws in America. “When you do wrong to an animal, you are held accountable, no matter what,” she said.

We had two lovely dogs at our house named Sam and Sarah. Sarah was quiet, while Sam was naughty. Sarah would wake me up for school, showing that love has no language. We also had three cats: one belonging to Aduray, and the other two belonged to my host-mother Amanda Ruby. Additionally, we had an iguana, a lizard-like species that people in Pakistani society are typically afraid of. I saw my host sister, Tressa, leaving food for deer that came near her house for a meal. This was the first time I had seen a live deer; I had never seen one in Balochistan. My school books and social media informed me that Balochistan was once home to various species such as ibex, markhor, deer, lions, cheetahs, leopards, pigs, wolves and others, but they have completely vanished due to excessive hunting and poaching.

The American education system has unique features absent in our country, such as sculpture, arts, music, dance classes, theme and drama, foreign languages, debate and public speaking, advance placement courses, along with various clubs. In contrast, our education system primarily focuses on Pakistan Studies using Urdu books. I promised myself that I would learn something new in America. So, I took a sculpture class. My teacher taught me how to create art using different materials.

Moreover, students aren’t overburdened with school assignments. If you can’t complete an assignment after school, you can finish it the next day. The tests are straightforward, with assessments on every chapter we read. American schools often provide career counseling and guidance services, helping students explore different career paths, understand their strengths, and make informed decisions about their futures. Skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are actively taught and developed in American schools, preparing students for real-world challenges and professional environments. I have learned a great deal in the United States of America. It has taught me that there's plenty in the world we can learn from.

Read more about the impact Shahjan had on his host family here.