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Coming Out of My Comfort Zone with YES!

Amina swimming with host family

by Amina Shahid (YES 2024-25, Pakistan, placed by AYUSA in Madison, WI)

Before embarking on this journey, I had a deep-seated fear of dogs. When I was a child, I witnessed someone be hurt by a dog, and since that day, I could barely be around one. When I learned that my host family in the U.S. had a dog, my initial reaction was panic. The idea of living with a dog was terrifying. However, changing plans at that stage would be incredibly difficult, and I was left with a choice: stay in Pakistan, or face my fear. At that moment, I realized this was an opportunity for a paradigm shift in my life. I decided that I would not let fear dictate my experience. Upon my arrival in the US, my host family was incredibly welcoming and understanding. They went out of their way to help me become comfortable with their dog, Fern, who, to my surprise, turned out to be the sweetest creature. Within a week, I found myself at ease around Fern, and in doing so, I had conquered one of my greatest fears.

Amina with her host family's pet Fern

My fear of water was another fear that haunted me for years. I had never learned to swim, and the thought of being in deep water made me anxious. In Minnesota, I took a leap of faith and swam for the first time—in none other than Lake Superior, the second largest lake in the world. Overcoming my fear of water in such a grand setting was a liberating experience that I’ll never forget.

These past two and a half months in the U.S. have been transformative. I have already completed over 60 hours of volunteer work. I have had the honor of giving presentations about Pakistan at my school. I have been invited to a youth leadership conference which only 20 students out of the total 2500 students are invited to attend. Engaging with the community has not only been fulfilling, but also enlightening. I am the Vice President of the International Club, and I actively participate in many other clubs, a testament to how much I have embraced the opportunities here.

Amina with her friends in her host community

This experience has broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined. Before coming to the US, my greatest ambition was to win the Pride of Burn Hall which is the most prestigious academic award at my school in Pakistan. Now, I see how much more is possible. The YES program has ignited a passion in me to dream bigger, to aim higher. I used to say that I would shoot for the moon and land among the stars, but now I truly believe it. This exchange year has pushed me out of my comfort zone, transforming me into a stronger, more courageous version of myself. Joyfully, this journey is far from over. For that, I owe a debt of gratitude to the YES program, which has given me the best gift of all—this life-changing year of discovery and growth.


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