“Where are you from?”
It’s a question I’ve been asked my whole life as an American born Chinese, or “ABC” as some say, sometimes with curiosity, sometimes with a hint of assumption. At YYGS, I asked it more than ever before. And, oftentimes it is not the place that makes it memorable, but the people. These are five people who changed the way I see the world.
At our first dinner, I sat next to Ethan from Wisconsin. We later found out we were suitemates. At night, we would stay up late debating about the trolley problem, politics, the value of animal life, and more I can’t even remember. However, what I will always remember is how caring he was about the environment—even bringing 100% recycled cotton bedsheets to Yale. This pushed me to look beyond brand name but also the source of the products I buy.
From the Phillipines, there was Jacob, who was part of my family at YYGS. We bonded while playing pool in the buttery (He beat me 7 out of 10 times) and lifting at the Payne Whitney Gym—second largest in the world by volume! He introduced me to The Marías and other music I usually never listen to. Because of him, I’ve gained the confidence to continue exploring new kinds of music and activities.
During the student speaker series, there was Omar from Palestine. He told us how he’d survived multiple wars, with his father still trapped in Gaza. All we could do in the audience was listen. He was the same age as us at the same place yet his life was totally different. From him, I learned sometimes the best thing we can all do is listen.
Mateo from Brazil was part of my group for our capstone project. Always with a smile and flip flops, Mateo was a down to earth guy, but he was the first one to take charge to get work done. At the final party, we sang a chaotic karaoke of Timber by Kesha and danced the night away. Mateo breathed work hard, play hard.
Then there was Rohan from India, the only international scholar in our suite. He never tried to fit in by changing himself. Instead, he pushed all of us—our entire suite—to perform in the talent show. It turned out to be one of my most favorite memories at YYGS. Sometimes we all need a Rohan in our lives to get out of our comfort zones.
YYGS was too short. Time flew because of the people—their voices, their humor, their stories. Not that the lectures and seminars weren’t amazing (they were!). Learning also took place in the dorms, dining room, and even during karaoke.
Five people, five lenses, and five countries later, I’ve learned that all conversations can begin with a simple question. You just have to ask: Where are you from?
Note: All names in this writing have been changed to protect privacy.
Eason, United States (Ohio), YYGS 2025