“Without a doubt, my favorite part of YYGS was the people. I met amazing people at YYGS. While waiting to get on stage during the Speaker Series, I witnessed leadership, innovative genius, and outright greatness right in front of me. I’ve made friendships with people from countries I’ve never heard of before. I’m truly blessed to have gone to YYGS and even more blessed with the friendships I made at YYGS.”
“I shared this unique [YYGS] experience with people from different parts of the world and from very different cultures, with different perspectives, experiences, customs and traditions. With activities such as TED talks, family time, talent shows, simulations, etc. we strengthened our ties as partners, friends, and YYGS siblings. I made many friends with whom I shared lessons, experiences, and memories, and thus expanded my academic and social support network.”
“On June 27th we had our last faculty lecture. Since it was our last lecture, I was hoping for it to be the best one since it was my favorite topic: “Astrophysics.” I got my breakfast, grabbed coffee on the way, walked from Davenport towards the Whitney Humanities Center, and sat in the front row full of excitement. There was a woman sitting right next to me, and I expressed my excitement for today’s lecture to her. She continued investigating my passion, and as the hall filled up she got up and went towards the podium.
“Ever since I came to America five years ago, I have been accustomed to feeling out of place due to my international background. At school, my peers were all socialized in the same culture, while I was separated from them by my upbringing. At YYGS, I was surprised to learn that none of that mattered. I was surrounded by people that all came from outside of the U.S., their different experiences uniting them in a desire to learn and grow.
“Academically speaking, the best lecture (for me) was with Professor Scassellati, because it sparked my interest in the use of robots to aid children with mental learning disabilities. I became fascinated by how humans can be supported by technological support, not just with mechanical activities, but also psychologically.”
“By the end of this program, I decided I would like to study Chemical Engineering and Biology as my career. Before this program, I thought I would study something at which I was good, like math. However, having attended this program I realized how captivating several fields are, and the opportunities that are available as the fields develop. Having a summer program define my career path, makes this experience among the most significant in my life.”
“What makes YYGS such a unique experience is the program’s ability to bring together the world’s most brilliant high schoolers to form an intimate community. I left YYGS with new friends from around the world, knowing that we will all go on to solve the world’s most pressing issues and become future global leaders.”
“Before YYGS, I was unable to speak throughout multiple discussions at my school. I was constantly afraid of saying the wrong thing and being ridiculed. But, the people at YYGS helped me realize I was surrounded by people who would not criticize me for saying the wrong things. And if I did say the wrong thing, they would help me correct my mistake and learn from it. This helped me improve and work on my speaking skills throughout the program.”
“YYGS really gave me a world mindset and taught me that every experience, no matter the culture or background, is valid and that everyone has something important to bring to the table.”
“Often times we forget to look at the other side of the debate, and this is something YYGS helped me overcome. As I returned back I have taken this approach in context to my academic as well as extra curricular activities.”
