On June 27th, I began a journey that would leave a lasting impact on me.
After my first solo flight, I landed in Hartford, Connecticut, both exhausted and excited. Sitting in the taxi, I eagerly checked the Cvent app, amazed to see participants from 150 countries represented at the program. The thought of meeting people from so many different backgrounds filled me with anticipation.
Arriving on Yale’s campus, I could barely drag my suitcase up to the third floor of Trumbull College, one of Yale’s oldest and smallest colleges. The heat and humidity were brutal, but I quickly forgot about them as I was greeted by the warm and welcoming staff—thanks to locking myself out of my room within the first thirty minutes. My first day was already memorable, and it only got better as I met more people. My new “family” included individuals from South Africa, China, New Mexico, Spain, South Korea, and other parts of the United States.
Throughout the program, I dove into various cultures and traditions. I learned about Middle Eastern customs, the Zoroastrian religion, and the Chinese practice of burning origami items for ancestors during Chinese New Year. The people I met were not only really smart but also passionate about creating a better world. Their dedication to change and their willingness to engage in meaningful conversations left a profound impact on me.
This program also shifted my worldview. Having had to leave Afghanistan at 14 due to war, I grappled with hope for a better future amid the injustices faced because of my race and gender. Back home, my gender was a barrier to pursuing my goals, such as performing on stage, taking on leadership roles, and participating in sports. The community’s standards often restricted minorities and limited their potential. After enduring such circumstances for 14 years, my vision of a better future, where my identity wouldn’t be a barrier, was my only hope. However, the fall of my country shook my faith for a better world. After leaving, I spent a year without access to education, but I focused on what I could control: self-education and educating others. I delved into French, art, music, and online teaching for girls back home, still clinging to that shaken vision.
But in 2022, I got to Canada where I started to build a new life. The ban on girls’ education fueled a passion within me, transforming my heartache into a powerful drive. I made it my mission to address this global challenge and advocate for equal educational opportunities for all. I wanted to make a difference, so I resumed my journey of activism for gender equality. But we all know how daunting it is to notice a problem, and have your heartstrings force your whole existence to do something about it.
However, joining others who were passionate about similar causes in YYGS, that hope was reignited. I realized I wasn’t alone in wanting to change the world. As future leaders, we all share the responsibility of addressing the challenges left by previous generations. I met environmental activists, tech enthusiasts, literature lovers, a person who learned 12 languages during quarantine, another who won the Children’s Peace Prize at 13, and others who had given TED talks about their passions. Among all these differences, I found similarities, and I felt at home.
Interactions at Yale made me realize the immense potential of youth when brilliant minds and passionate hearts come together. We all created a supportive environment where everyone shared their unique perspectives on issues like gentrification, renewable energy, modern business strategies, and educational differences. It was then that I regained my faith in my vision.
As the two weeks came to an end, I packed my things with a bittersweet feeling. I knew I would miss the late-night talks in Trumbull courtyard, playing foosball in the basement, enriching family-time conversations, and strolls around the campus.
Reflecting on my YYGS experience, I gained invaluable insights into what the world could look like with true changemakers. The program left me with questions about my role in fostering these changes. Yet, it also filled me with optimism. If we can replicate the harmony and open dialogue we experienced at Yale, we can address any issue and build the world we envision.
YYGS showed me that everyone is already striving to be the change they wish to see. This experience has not only made me more knowledgeable but also helped me regain faith that together, we can make a difference.
Nila, YYGS 2024, Afghanistan & Canada