By Amisse Manuel João (YES 2012-13, Mozambique, placed by AFS-USA in Argyle, WI)

During my YES program, I was introduced to a computer for the first time in my life. I remember the difficulties that I faced when my host parents were teaching me how to send an e-mail for the first time, and then going to school for my Desktop publishing class. However, I developed the curiosity to understand how a machine could operate all of those tasks, which seemed impossible to me back then. When I flew back to Mozambique, I had bought my own laptop and dedicated myself to know more about basic information technology. I developed a passion for it and began to dig deeper into all aspects of computer science.

In 2016, I applied for and won a full scholarship to the Gujarat Technological University in India, where I received my BE in Computer Engineering. I received another scholarship for my Masters in Science IT at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India. I honestly believe that if it wasn’t for the priceless opportunity that the YES program provides to countless youth across the world, including me, I would never have even dreamed that I could become a computer engineer. 

I am forever thankful for my host parents, Marjorie and Stan Bigelow, my host community in Argyle, and my forever friends who have taught me so much during my year in the U.S. Thank you.