By Stella Tiyoy (YES 2012-2013, Kenya, placed by Greenheart in Fayetteville, NC)  

My dream of coming back to the U.S. has always lingered since my YES year, and it finally happened ten years later! I was elated to receive an email inviting me to serve as a mentor during the 2023 YES Civic Education Workshop in Washington, D.C.

Not only was I excited to return to the country and people that shaped my values, beliefs, and worldview today, but I was also excited about the opportunity to share my experience as a YES student and alumna with the next generation of YES changemakers. 

Setting foot in D.C. was deeply nostalgic. I was reminded of the 15-year-old me, uncertain of the future, yet bravely embarking on the journey of becoming an exchange student. When I met the current YES students, I saw a reflection of myself ten years ago. Curious, eager to gain knowledge and experience, and determined to impact change. However, the transition from exchange student to alumna comes with a lot of responsibilities and uncertainties. Being an alumna mentor meant guiding these YES students through the "hero's journey," allowing them to see themselves and their next few years as alumni through me and my experiences. 

As busy as the Workshop was, it allowed me to connect and network with many people. I met with U.S. State Department officials, the staff of U.S. congressmen and congresswomen, and YES program staff.

Among the many highlights was the opportunity to meet Ann Cody, a three-time Paralympian who works on international disability rights at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

After CEW, I traveled to meet friends in New York. It was an emotional experience to reunite with them ten years later with the same enthusiasm and love. It made me realize that I appreciate the YES program's role in bringing people together and creating a global family more than ever before. Who knew I could have family 13,733 kilometers away from my home? 

My friends and I had a great time. I saw and touched snow for the first time in ages, and I had the opportunity to go snow tubing. It was incredible. I also did indoor rock climbing, which I would not have been allowed to do in my home country due to the many limitations for people with disabilities. I appreciated the dignity and trust inherent in the risk that was bestowed upon me, a concept that not many people can understand. 

I am grateful to the YES program for giving me the opportunity to mentor the next generation of changemakers and reunite with my American friends.