Abimanyu, who goes by Daniel, has made a strong impression on his host community that is fueled by his compassionate and loving personality. With the goal of 175 volunteer hours during his YES program year, Daniel has dived into community service work in his host community of Elburn, Illinois. Daniel committed to volunteering for a nonprofit that works with adults and children with disabilities twice a week, as well as volunteering at his local food bank when possible.

When Daniel isn’t volunteering, you will find him as an active member in his school’s student council, peer leadership club, Key Club and International club. You will often see Daniel proudly showing off a traditional Batik shirt to share Indonesian culture. Daniel has been able to share his culture during a local Native American Powwow and even with the Mayor of Geneva, IL, where he discussed the importance of Batik garments and how it is a pride to wear it for Indonesians and show family identity.

Daniel’s friends describe him as “a super energetic person, and always spreading his energy and happiness around him. He lights up everyone when he walks into a room.” Daniel's positive outlook on life has allowed him to learn about and celebrate the cultural differences between the U.S. and Indonesia.

Daniel has a clear vision of his goals while on the YES program and what he plans to do when he returns to his hometown in Indonesia. He aspires to take what he learned from the United States, and from Illinois particularly, to see how he can improve his home community’s education system. He has a passion for helping and learning from others. Daniel embodies the YES program’s spirit, and we can’t wait to see how much more he accomplishes for the remainder of the program!

Abimanyu Khotamena Sembiring (YES 2023-2024, Indonesia, placed by AFS-USA in Elburn, IL)