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Photo: Rana from Tunisia helps out in her host community. Read Rana's story below!

Halfway through their first semester in the US, YES students from around the world are making big impacts and having significant experiences all around America. Three current students - Mahdi from Lebanon, Rana from Tunisia, and Abdulqadir from Libya - describe some of the best parts of their YES year so far.

​Soccer in the USA

By: Mahdi Hallal (YES 2017 - 2018, Lebanon, hosted by PAX in Rochester, NH)

The first moment when I stepped to the field will be always engraved in my heart. It was an awesome experience to play for Spaulding High School varsity boys soccer, since I was able to improve my skills and tactics in the game. Although the season was full with ups and downs, I managed to earn the respect and friendship of my soccer teammates. We had a lot of fun and exciting moments, but if I had to choose the best, I would choose seniors night. I will always be thankful to the coach for including me in this special night, since it was my last home game with my friends and teammates. The team gave me a poster of my picture, and a jersey with my last name on the back, and I was able to return a part of that favor by scoring a goal in seniors night. I am thankful for all people who contributed in getting me here, for all the unforgettable memories that I have made here so far, and the ones yet to come.

On the Hunt for More

By: Rana Soltani (YES 2017 - 2018, Tunisia, hosted by Ayusa in Glendale, AZ)

There is  a hunger that all of us feel to find greater meaning in our lives, to engage more meaningfully with the world and to feel the incredible and frightening thrill of encountering new experiences that move us emotionally, intellectually, and also deep in our souls. For me, my exchange has more than satisfied that hunger. It's been exactly two months since I got to my host community and I really can't put my feelings into worlds because these last few weeks were filled with insanely happy, sad, and amazing moments that have pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to discover more about the world, my host community, and myself.

I will never forget how I zip-lined for the very first time in my life, conquering my fear of heights. I went to the movies for a horror movie with my friends, although I've never liked to watch scary things before. I got through different restaurant menus and managed to try Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Syrian, Japanese, Indian, and of course American food. I enjoyed fostering cats with my host mom and volunteering at animal shelters. I got to perform on stage in front of people I don't know during my theater class and managed to make them laugh. I was a group leader for an assembly at my high school, I presented about my country in front of the class and got overwhelmed with a lot of interesting questions, I cooked Tunisian food...

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I will never forget the pain during cross country training, the joy during dancing club, the fun during drama club, nice people during lunches and student council, deep night conversations and cooking with my host mom, and spending time with other exchange students. I will definitely remember my first football games, and volunteering hours at school. And I am currently experiencing the spirit week. 

It has been so unreal and amazing because exchange just makes you open to trying new and different things you never knew existed or had the courage to try. You just know that your life is turning upside down and let it live through you, and you end up staying on the hunt for more.

Bugs, Bats, and Bones

By: Abdulqadir Abuharrus (YES 2017 - 2018, Libya, hosted by PAX in Shreveport, LA)

It was October 28th, a Saturday. I had been volunteering with Walter B. Jacobs Memorial P ark in Shreveport, Louisiana for several events, however this event was probably one of their busiest all year long. I woke up at 6 Am and get a ride with one of the naturalists in the park and we began our 14 hour day in 37 celsius degree weather.

By 4:30PM we started getting visitors, and the event lasted until 9:15 PM. The event included live animal presentations, night time hikes in the forest, Cafe Insect'a, several children activities and games, and great food. It was a blast!

I would like to thank the great staff at the park,the volunteers, and everyone who showed up.

From soccer to snakes, YES students keep things interesting by trying new things, sharing their personalities, and bringing the world a little closer - one activity at a time.


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