Jun 4, 2016
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January Student of the Month - Silvia from Indonesia -
Silvia, YES program student from Indonesia placed in Washington DC, is our student of the month for her outstanding accomplishments at school and in her host community.
Her positive attitude, adaptability to new environments, and eagerness to learn make her a valuable asset to our program and a great example for exchange students to follow.
Silvia is a straight “A” honor roll student and was recognized as Student of the Month for dedication and excellence at her high school. She has been on the volleyball team, the swim team, and is planning to play tennis in the spring.
In addition to her academic success, Silvia is always excited to share her culture and country by giving presentations in the Prince George County community and World Learning, performing her native dance at her school’s talent show and teaching a Girl Scout troop about her diverse background during Girls Scout’s World Thinking Day. She leaves with all who interact with her a positive view of Indonesia, World Learning and the YES exchange program.
Silvia takes advantage of every opportunity to get engage in her community. By December 2015, she had already finished the required 40 service hours and is determined to complete well over 100 by the end of the program year. Her service includes activities for sick children, the homeless, and wreath-laying at Arlington Cemetery just to name a few.
We are extremely proud of Silvia’s exploits and look forward to reporting on her future achievements!
Kindred Spirits
By Saryal, a YES exchange student from Pakistan currently living with his host family in Arlington, VA. Saryal constantly strives to learn about US culture and to share Pakistani and Muslim culture in return. In this post, Saryal turns an ordinary afternoon grabbing lunch with his host family into an opportunity for human connection and shared learning.
We admire Saryal for taking the time to ask these questions. He is a wonderful example of how YES students change the hearts and minds of those they interact with each and every day.
Meet Gul Khan. Gul khan works at a Pakistani and Indian restaurant In Manassas, Virginia. He is from Kohat, Pakistan.
What do you think about America its people and Culture as you you have been living here from past 20 years?
“Look son I want to say much about this but the only thing I love about this country is its people. People back in Pakistan thinks Americans aren't good people but believe me I am here from past 20 years working with these people I am never being targeted with Racism. Nobody ever argued about why I am having a beard and having the thing on my head. Although I faced some problems after 9/11 and that was to happen because of media. I target Pakistani media also for showing false statements about these beautiful people. I was once praying at my work and my boss saw me while praying and after finishing prayer he came to me and apologized for making any disturbance. I was so impressed by this and then I thought its not race, color, cast its all about love we are all the same people having different ways of life. Americans never made me feel homesick. At first when I arrived here I didn't know that much english instead of making fun of my accent and vocabulary they taught me how to speak and write. They never discriminate anyone. The only thing I love about Americans is that they are very broad minded and I would like to give this message to Pakistani people of being broad minded. Last message I wanna convey is these Americans have love for every religion and country I have American friends who celebrate Pakistan's independence day and other national events and holidays and rise our flag, so how can you say American people are not good people, can we people do this in our country "NO". I love my Country my people and I do miss my culture but America is my second home now and I always pray that we all humans start loving each other and make this world a better and happy place for everyone.”
The Best Christmas Gift
Hi everyone. This is Jarin, foreign exchange student from Bangladesh under cultural exchange program called “Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program.” This exchange year is so much important as I have experienced a lots of new and daring things. Especially this Winter Holiday Season is so much special for me.
I am celebrating "Christmas" for the first time. It was really awesome to decorate Christmas tree with ornaments. Enjoying the beauty of Christmas ornament has become one of my favorite hobbies now. It was great experience when my host mom has told me to establish the angel at the top of the Christmas tree. I also added my handmade ornament to the Christmas tree.It is really great time for gifts. I watched on TV that Santa Clause comes and gives children Gifts. I always wished if I can also get gifts from Santa. But during my volunteering for "Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program" I have really realized the humanity of Americans as they were taking the lists of gifts poor children and senior citizens and bought them gifts as much as they can. It made me feel different way about Christmas gift. When my host family asked me what I want for Christmas, my conscience made me told "If you give Christmas gifts to those poor Children under Angel Tree Program, it will be my best gift in Christmas". I have really realized it is really nice to see other people happy for you. If you can bring smile in somebody's face through your effort, it is the best gift in the world. As my host mom has bought gifts for 2 poor children from my side, it was my best gift in Christmas and I am happy to be angel for those kids. Now I have realized Santa is nothing but the realization inside everyone to give pleasure and happiness to children.
Before this program "Raisa" (my nickname in Bangladesh) was a girl who was afraid, who did not have enough courage of exploring,who was easily vulnerable. But now Jarin (my nickname in U.S) is the name of a girl who does not fear anything except Allah (God), who just looks ahead and dare not to go ahead. Now I can say I am the girl who believes and does accordingly "Never Give Up.” Yesterday I went for ice-skating. I fell down so many times but I stood up and tried until I got it. For the essay for this program they wanted to know about role model. I wrote about John Cena and his quote "Never give up" and I am following it. I am thinking to go Christmas light, museums, Tulsa Aquarium and several places.
Yes we are in the middle of our exchange program.We are entering a new step at the same time with new year. I am kind of afraid as most of the time has already passed though I did a lots of things. I love here. I am really enjoying my exchange experience here. I do not like to go back to my country now. But I know I will have to go and I will have to work for positive change in my country. I patriotism claims my effort for my society. & In Sa Allah (By the grace of Allah), I will do it using my skills from YES program and social communication skill from YES program.
Yes, I know other exchange students are feeling the same feelings like me. My message to them will be,"Time and tide wait for no one. Use your every valuable second and wherever you are in the world, realize people your presence through your good efforts what will take positive change in the world. Believe yourself. You are the right person to bring positive change in the world." This is we, the exchange students. "We (exchange students) are together, do not not dare to achieve something greater" Good wishes for everybody.
Solar Innovations, Inc. supports and continues to support the YES (Your Eligibility Skills) program. The YES certificate program is a 120-hour elective course administered by the Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council. If you are a local educator interested in partnering with the YES program, please contact the Northeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Council. Read more information on the company website or contact Solar Innovations, Inc.
Program Usahawan YES
Berita baik buat mereka yang sedang mencari peluang pekerjaan dan berminat untuk menjana pendapatan lebih tinggi berbanding ‘makan gaji’. Percaya tak, dengan hanya RM79.50 anda boleh mulakan perniagaan anda di dalam rangkaian Shaklee? Program Usahawan YES ini sesuai untuk mereka yang berumur 18 tahun dan ke atas.
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A resume.
I believe every YES student deserves to be the Best YES student of the month. We can never come to a result comparing the students' experiences. Everyone is a greater achiever. Everyone is brave, determined, open-minded, passionate, self-confident..
In addition of willing to be the "Best YES student of the month", I've always wanted it to be the month of April. April is the beginning of the end. It is the time when you look back at the 8 months you spent in the States, and evaluate your achievements. That is when you find yourself proud of many things you did, the dreams that came true. But you also find yourself regretting things you did not do. At that exact moment, you start to plan how you want to end your experience.
As far as I am concerned, my experience is a great mixture. And here is a very briefed version of my story.
I was a student in a pioneer high school (a school supposed to be for "brilliant" students). I was looked at as an overachiever: being 1st in my class for more than 4 years, getting the best grades in almost every class and having the privilege of being the teachers' favorite example of a good student. For sure, as someone who never got out of his community, never saw something different, never knew that there was actually something else different, it became my one and only goal. I worked harder everyday, quit my basketball team, hardly found anytime for my Youth and Science Club, and barely hang out with my friends. My family never saw me out of my bedroom. I gave up the things that I loved: writing, reading and playing piano. I slept few hours a day, did not care about my health, or I should say: did not find anytime to care about anything else. I had to be excellent in 13 subjects. Eventually, I did. But the more I did, the less I appreciated my life.
I was not happy. I woke up one day and I asked myself a question: what is my purpose in this life? There are more than 7 billion people on Earth and I was born for a goal. A different goal. Something that I can only do. I am smart, and I need to be creative. I need to choose my own path, I need to open my mind to other options.
Obviously, I applied to the YES program, and I made it. I cam to the U.S.A. knowing that my school year does not count. But it did not matter, because my new goal is: look for a different path.
I started with Community Service, completing over 150 hours. I am a teacher assistant for French. By the beginning of the year, I was helping out teachers in elementary schools setting up their classrooms and nurses organizing their work. I offered my help to the neighbors who needed a hand with anything. I participated in many AFS volunteering opportunities including: helping out with interviews for scholars, fund raising, Girls Rise up event, Milwaukee Folk Festival, First Annual International Night and the IEW. I gave more than 40 presentations about Tunisia in 3 different Schools and Islam (for a group form church). I organized " a Tunisian Night". I cooked traditional food, decorated the place with the flag of my country, and wore the traditional clothes with my host family and their friends from Church.I am also with Chicago Cares organization, and I participate every Wednesday in a Game, reading and entertainment night for elderly in Nursing Home.
I also applied for CEW (civic education workshop) and got accepted. I had an amazing week learning about how to be a leader in the community, how to make a change and how to influence the others around you. I met with the two senators of Illinois and the Representative. I had a pass to go to the U.S. House and the Congress. We also got to meet with Evan Ryan the Secretary of State for Educational&Cultural Affairs at the Department of State, and Mr. Agnew, Middle East and North Africa Regional Bureau Panelist. I also got to be in Woodrow Wilson Center's online TV show where we discussed everything related to journalism.
In school, I joined Photography Club, Drama, Model UN and track team (for one season). I was accepted in a photography program called ASM (after school matters) for film photography. By the end, I got to participate in the showcase which was the best thing I ever did. That is why I was nominated for Student Recognition Luncheon and National Honor Society. I started piano classes again, and my dream to have a performance came true (it is next month).
Yes, I did many things this year. I learnt a lot. I did things that I always wanted to do, but never had the time nor the chance. I opened my eyes to a new, vast world. I was so impressed that I am always asking myself: where was I? How did I never think about discovering new things? How didn't I consider other options?
The answer is : “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”