By Marija Arsovska (YES 2018-2019, North Macedonia, hosted by American Councils in Port Angeles, WA)

It has been quite a few months since the year that changed my life ended. While I was on program in the U.S. I was placed in Port Angeles, WA, a place that holds so many memories for me now. Looking back at it, I like seeing how many things my exchange year has taught me about myself, the world, and things like community service and volunteering.

Since becoming a City Representative, I have been more involved in volunteering and organizing projects in my local community with fellow alumni. One of the things I did recently was organize a 2019 generation reunion in January in honor of being back in our home country for half a year.

I was inspired by the mid-year orientation we had in the U.S. while on program. During the reunion, we reminisced on how much has changed since we first stepped foot back in our home country. We talked about our adjustment process, things we miss about the U.S., and things we now appreciate more about our country. It was overall a very healthy conversation about issues alumni go through after the program.

In addition to this productive conversation, we had fun catching up on our lives, noting our successes and volunteer activities. We were all happy to see each other again!

I appreciate being part of an amazing group of alumni and having the opportunity to organize events like these. I am looking forward to more projects and activities to connect us all!