It takes an entire lifetime to grow, but it takes two weeks to learn to be you. From far and beyond, stories and smiles each teaching and revealing a part of you that you never knew existed. Cheers to my YYGS experience. After flying for 25 hours to be at this program, I do not want to call it a program anymore. Like how birds fly during season changes, I was a bird and I flew halfway across the world to find my flock. From strangers at Family Time to playing mafia and knowing every single secret about my roommates or going on art gallery dates with people that warmed my heart each second we ordered a large pizza and had no idea of finishing it. I found my flock.
Buildings leave a mark on you, however, people leave an indelible imprint in your hearts. Years from now if I stop to eat ice cream I will smile with big enthusiasm because as fast as time crashes, memory builds a castle that houses emotions that last a life time.
YYGS made learning math fun, it reminded me how precious being wrong is because that’s the most important; learning the ability to seek help when wrong.
A single memory locked up in my heart is my Capstone team, from being five kids attending YYGS, to questioning if we actually dream or sleep or to being Marvel and Disney characters to becoming the best friends going out for an Indian meal.
I would say YYGS builds bridges to interlace differences that model love and connection.
I miss the seminars, the lectures, the inspiring chats at Davenport dining hall and above most the community.
Without a single thought I know family exists in all shapes and sizes, therefore even if I’m a continent or several miles away, I know I will keep a smile at heart when I remember 336 hours we spent holding up the bulldog title, dear Yale students we hope we did you justice.
Being a YYAS alumni scholarship recipient, I remain indebted in the unwavering kindness of YYGS and all that made it possible for me to attend this transformative educational experience.
Forever as I breathe, I will speak YYGS and I will smile at the memories and the faces I found homes in.
Till we meet again
As we say in Swahili Asante sana!
Author Details:
Deogracious Rubangakene
Innovations in Science & Technology
Uganda