KLYES Alumna, Myriline from Liberia, remincises on her remarkable memories during her time abroad.
YES students from Pakistan share updates about their YES experiences in the last few weeks.
By Muhammad Ibrahim (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by States’ 4-H in Prairie du Sac, WI)
I have been on the YES program for about three months now and I feel a powerful change in my personality. Everyday I learn something new and different, meet people who are so kind to me, and I am breaking stereotypes on both sides. These months had different opportunities and accomplishments and the best part is volunteering which began as soon as I arrived in my host community.
Recently, there was a food packing event in our community by an organization known as "Feed My Starving Children" for ending hunger. We packed more than 60,000 meals in just two days and I realized through this experience that it really is not so difficult to help and serve humanity. I have managed to secure 72 hours of volunteering in just 55 days and I stand in the first place amongst all of my placement organization's students i.e States 4-H International Exchange Programs.
I have already given more than 12 presentations in my community to an audience of more than 400 people. Recently, I gave a presentation at Wisconsin 4-H Fall Forum where people learned a lot about my country. I also delivered a presentation to the administrators of Sauk Prairie Schools District which was received by them with utmost interest.
By Mashal Wajid (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by ASSE in Maplewood, MN)
Imagine going to some strangers’ place in another part of the world and they open the doors of their house for you and make you part of their family. It might seem impossible to some but to me, this is my reality. My host family were complete strangers to me a few weeks ago and now I cannot think of my exchange year without them, day by day they are becoming an integral part of my journey! It is amazing how they always have my back and are helping me out through every thick and thin, scheduling my routines, taking care of my meals. I am so grateful to have them as my hosts.
Out of all the opportunities YES have provided me this one was the greatest opportunity so far: I met the mayor of Maplewood yesterday and she introduced me to two meetings: the City Council meeting and the Economic Development Authority meeting. I got a chance to speak about the YES program and share my experience about the United States and I explained to the council members about how YES is helping establish world peace by connecting people from all over the world.
By Muhammad Ali Asghar (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by PAX in Puyallup, WA)
First day of school? I was not at all ready because it was just my third day in the U.S. It was hard for me to control my emotions. I was overthinking about everything but I was shocked by how kind my teachers were to me. Today, I'm in love with my school and I respect my teachers the most. I also love my classes. I always wanted to produce and edit videos and now I'm taking a video production class which is a dream come true for me.
Talking to other students in the school was a nice experience but making friends seemed difficult at first. But then I remembered how I was taught in my orientations to communicate and so I started telling people about myself and how I was feeling. I told them everything and it led me to having a group of friends who are so helpful and kind to me. It feels so good to have people understand you despite of all the regional accents and cultural differences.
I am thankful to the YES Program, my local coordinators, and most of all my host family. I took a big decision when I decided to come here and it was difficult at first, but I had to overcome my fears and now I know that good things in life lie on the other side of fear. This past few months have been a very beautiful beginning of something that means the world to me. I am ready to make the most of it.
By Mamoona Jan (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by AFS-USA in Hickory, NC)
Homecoming was the most awaited event for me because it was the first American cultural event I was going to experience. What made my homecoming so memorable was when I got the opportunity to represent one of my club (Citizens of the World) at my homecoming.
One other thing that made my homecoming really special was that I wore my cultural dress. It was an honor for me to represent my country, club, culture, and the YES program and share my love for my host family in front of so many people. It was one of the best days of my exchange year so far.
By Rumasa Zahra (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by CIEE in Brooklyn, IA)
Every single day opens a door to new challenges and new activities and I am always ready for them. After school, my host sister and I have cross country practice and cross country meets. It isn’t the running that makes cross country fun but it’s all the friends I have made through this experience and how we all are like a family. They make running 3 miles easier! If it wasn't for them and my coach motivating me, I would have never been able to run 3 miles!
Friday nights are by far my favorite. I never knew I would love American football so much. We go to all of their games. Seeing them score, cheering for them, and celebrating on the field after the game are some of the reasons why I love going to these games.
My days may seem busy but trust me I enjoy being a part of all these activities which have helped me in making friends!
By Hadiqa Ayaz (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by AFS-USA in Oshkosh,WI)
I am so glad that I am part of the YES program. Before coming to the U.S., I had a goal of complete 100 hours of community service but it seemed quite hard. However, after being on the program for a few weeks, I realised that nothing is impossible. In the past few months on the program, I have been participating in volunteering activities.
I am so happy that I successfully completed 10 hours of volunteering in a day at the St. Thomas Church to support a football game. This experience was made so special because I volunteered along with some other amazing people and an exchange student from Bangladesh. I made new friends and got introduced to American football. I am really looking forward to more opportunities like this. I am thankful to the YES program for giving me this opportunity and to my natural family and my host family for always supporting me.
By Sualeha Junaid (YES 2019-20, Pakistan, hosted by AFS-USA in Richardson, TX)
Everyday, I wake up knowing that I will get to experience something new and exciting. I never thought I would come into a foreign land and live another life where I get to do so much and meet new people. It has broadened my horizons and it has challenged all the stereotypes I had about America. I love my life here. An American high school experience is what I dreamed of. I am taking really exciting classes like choir, theater, debate, and animations. Recently, I had my first choir concert and it was absolutely amazing. The feeling of singing in front of a crowd with a talented group of people is stupendous. Furthermore, I am going to participate in my school's musical this year and I can not be more excited.
I am part of my school's impact club, key club, and photography club. Volunteering has become an integral part of my life here. I love to benefit the community. I have completed 35 hours of volunteering and my goal is to do 100. One of my favorite volunteering experience was when I packed 35,000 meals with my community.
I am also really excited to share that I got to attend an NF Real music concert! I have been his fan for three years and I remember listening to his songs all the time in Pakistan and never thought I would see get to see him perform right in front of my eyes . The moment he came onto the stage, I cried of happiness. I am so incredibly grateful to the YES program for making my dreams come true!