By Behar Bunjaku (YES 2017-2018, Kosovo, hosted by CIEE in Palestine, TX)

Throughout November, I worked with a team of four Peace Corps volunteers to help them prepare an American football event in my hometown, Vushtrri, for Thanksgiving. We spent three weeks preparing 30 high school students to participate in the event as football players, cheerleaders, or band members. I was responsible for the band. The experience I gained being a band member of my high school in the U.S. immensely helped me prepare the students, and the music played during the game included the school song and fight song of my high school in the U.S.!

On the day of the game, November 24, 15 community members came to watch. In addition to introducing my community to a unique American tradition, participants also learned efficient ways of working cooperatively and got the opportunity to present their leadership skills.