“The most special thing about this course was the exchange of each other’s knowledge in seminars and capstone projects. Everyone had completely different thoughts and it was amazing how we all collaborated them into one presentation at the end of the week.”
“YYGS was the medium by which I met people from different places, with different ways of thinking, so their words and experiences moved me and gave me a different point of view from mine. Consequently, the people I met are the cause of the change I am experiencing.”
“I have spent a significant portion of my eighteen years trying to turn new environments into ‘homes.’ YYGS wasn’t an exception. It was the farthest I had ever been from my country yet the closest to home I ever felt in such a short time.”
“YYGS wasn’t a typical experience for me whether before, at, or after the program. When I first applied, I was accepted to Applied Science and Engineering (ASE), and I was so glad and proud that I could make to such a competitive and prestigious summer program. However, my visa processing didn’t go well, and I had to miss ASE as it was in Block 1. I was so disappointed and thought that this excellent opportunity was no longer available for me.
“In my first seminar, Failure: Putting Radical Madness into Madness, I was able to analyze the concept of failure through a different lens. Prior to the program, I was afraid of it. I shoved it down and laughed it off. However, rather than stigmatize it, I was encouraged to welcome it and embrace it as a precursor to growth. It was intriguing, liberating, and almost therapeutic.”
I climbed up Harkness Hall’s stage, pulled out my cracked phone, and claimed (while my heart was beating in my chest), “Pockets are a luxury,” to nearly 167 people.
“All the friends I made at YYGS were incredibly accomplished and compassionate human beings. They inspired me with their stories of starting nonprofits to provide medical care for the less fortunate in Queens, launching regional strikes in Canada similar to the climate strikes , and doing groundbreaking research with leaders in different fields–but they were all humble and similar to me in that we all wanted to absorb all the information that we could during our time at YYGS and make lasting memories.”
“I have always been apprehensive to meet new people out of fear of judgment or prejudice because of my identity. However at YYGS such a fear was completely unjustified. Within the first 48 hours of meeting people, it quickly became clear that YYGS was a diverse and welcoming community; although, we had all come from different backgrounds, the people I encountered were some of the most tolerant and understanding young individuals I have ever met.”
“Something that left a great impact on me was the privilege to have lectures by people so accomplished and bright, and more specifically for me, someone whose works I had previously researched and been impressed by- Gerard C. and Bernice Latrobe Smith Professor of International Law, and famous writer, Oona Hathaway.”
“I had the chance to gain knowledge about different topics, varying from economics to international law, climate change, and even how public health is closely related to politics.”
“From ever-enlarging volleyball circles in the courtyard to hanging out in the basement with a tight-knit group of friends to tear-inducing laughter with capstone teammates, this YYGS experience made the vast world suddenly seem smaller and less intimidating.”
