YES Programs

MENU  

STORIES


Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Alieu

Can you imagine being an ordinary 16-year old in this world we live in now? A 16-year old who lived all of his life with people that he is familiar with and share the same culture, religion, political views, and practices. 

I am Alieu J. Pusah (YES 2017-2018, Liberia, hosted by AFS in Chicago, IL). It’s been eight fruitful months since I started my exchange year in the U.S. The moment I will always remember and talk about is the overwhelming welcome that my host family gave me. I realized that I was no longer living a dream, but a reality. We have established a relationship within eight months, but it seems like it’s been forever. 

I have joined my school's track team where I have built friendships with my teammates. My coaches and teammates are some of the first people I met and have become essential to my exchange year.  

Img 1160

I was very nervous about going to a new school because of my accent. I didn’t know if people would understand me and I didn’t know how to ask someone for help in English, fluently. It was an amazing, incredible, funny, and somehow irritating experience. I walked through the hallway in between classes, asking students and teachers for help finding my classes. I’ve always been that person who likes meeting new people, create a comfortable environment everyone likes to be in. I did encounter some questions about my home country from students, but I was very open-minded and always available to answer any questions about my country, Liberia, or about Africa, at large. 

Alieu2

I have seen this as a vigorous opportunity to learn about so many nationalities and I’ve heard fascinating stories that has made a significant impact on my life. Aside from this, what will be very worthy about this experience is when I get back home to make a positive transformation for our young generation in Liberia. My experience on this program won't only be shared through conversations with friends, but also through my actions of community service. 

I am having such a great time with my generous host family, my placement organization family (AFS), my teachers, and my incredible friends. Words are inadequate to express how much I appreciate the care and love my host community is showing me.  


Share: