Ever since I was little, I strived to make my mark in the world. After all, when you’re born as a tiny premature only child, it takes a lot of “stepping out of your comfort zone” to truly leave a lasting presence. As such, I’ve always jumped to take on opportunities that would help me grow to be the best version of myself, whether that be trying new hobbies, joining student council, or most recently, attending the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program.
Truthfully, during the weeks leading up to the start of YYGS, I was a nervous wreck. I was lost navigating lecture topics, didn’t fully understand assignments, and feared that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my professors’ train of thought. Moreover, given that the program was also online, I thought I would not be able to fully connect with my fellow peers and instructors.
However, all these negative thoughts went out the window the second that the opening Zoom call started. The environment created, albeit only on a screen, was an inclusive, open, and welcoming community that challenged and changed me for the better.
Here are three key reasons why:
First off, despite the program being held mostly on Zoom, the YYGS instructors and professors did an amazing job at encouraging students to share their thoughts in comprehensive discussions. Through Q&A segments and close-knit breakout rooms, students were continuously invited to partake in meaningful conversations that allowed them to ask questions, respond to interesting points, and even participate in mini debates surrounding the topic at hand. As such, I remained fully engaged in both listening to and learning from both my peers and teachers.
Additionally, the lecture and seminar topics taught in the program also allowed participants to reimagine their learning and the world around them. The natural complexity and rigorousness involved in understanding them pushed students to question what they thought they already knew, contribute to existing dialogues, and absorb new information. With this, my fellow students and I were given the unique opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn both old and new concepts at the same time.
Finally, the YYGS program played an excellent role in uniting like-minded individuals to solve global challenges. Through the famous Simulation project, students across all four tracks teamed up together to help brainstorm innovative solutions to address both local and international issues. In this manner, participants were able to apply their learnings in both lectures and seminars, as well as learn to work together in an inclusive and collaborative environment, despite the virtual setting.
Thus, overall, my YYGS experience allowed me to grow both as a student and as a person. It prompted me to rethink my perspective, pushed me to think outside the box, and most of all, value the learning experience – whether that be from myself, my peers, or my mentors.
Attending the program was an experience that I’ll never forget, and to anyone interested in partaking in it, I cannot recommend it enough.
Author Details:
Chessie Trillana
Literature, Philsophy & Culture
Philippines