“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.”
“YYGS has helped me develop a global outlook to view the world’s problems as my own.”
“If someone told me that I would give a speech for speaker series in the Yale Law Auditorium, I wouldn’t believe it. But that’s one of the amazing things about YYGS: the unexpected becomes a reality.”
“YYGS had a great impact on my life: It made me more responsible; I learned to take care of myself and to live with a budget. I’m now more outgoing, I learned to take the first step, to work in a group and to do research.”
