I learned a lot about science and technology from lectures and seminars given by Yale professors, but the program did more than simply teach about science and technology; it inspired me to pursue my passion for using technology to impact my community and learn more about it.
My adoration for the humanities grew stronger, catalysing my decision to pursue a humanities-concentrated academic path. The beauty of the humanities is that they encourage creative alternatives to be drawn up when textbooks fail and do not make learning a duty.
YYGS gave me a direction about who I would like to be, which major I would like to pursue in college, and topics I would like to learn more about. Beyond academic learning, YYGS proposed to me more independence and self-confidence to believe in myself and use my potential as an enhancer to cause a positive impact in my community.
Being part of this program was certainly revolutionary in my life, as it changed my way of seeing the world and opened my horizons even more. Connecting with other incredible minds from different places in the world allowed me to experience realities that I was never used to.
Two of my favorite lectures were “The Amazon Antitrust Paradox” and “Financial Global Crisis.” Both of these lectures were so interesting. With all the various questions my classmates would raise, the discussions would always broaden my perspective considerably. I learned so much from the different views of other students; it really added to the learning experience.
One of the highlights for me was the variety of lectures, which covered a range of topics from US-China relations to inflation. The lecture on US-China relations, by Professor Arne Westad, was particularly impactful as it provided a historical context for the current tensions between the two countries and allowed me to see the issue in a new light.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the seminars and lectures. The topics presented were all different and they provided insights on many different aspects of the world. The lecture I enjoyed the most was “artificial intelligence in global affairs”. Technology is very present in our evolving society and I learned three keys to understand AI decision making including: transparency, explainability, and probability.
Out of all the seminars I had attended, my favorite would have to be “IST14CA: Transhumanism: Making your body as “hi-tech” as your phone.” This seminar intrigued me because of the way it combined technology and the human body. YYGS has not only given me the platform to develop life-long connections but also the ability to foster a passion for interdisciplinary fields—spanning from computer science to philosophy and from music to the human body.
IBeing from a small place like Penang, Malaysia, the opportunity to connect and learn from students and staff worldwide has been a truly transformative experience for me. One of the most memorable aspects of YYGS was the late-night talks with my YYGS family, where we engaged in deep, thought-provoking discussions about global issues and more lighthearted topics like our favorite Subway Surfers characters.
I’ll patiently wait for the day I reunite with Shin, Maddy, Amogh, and all my family members and hug them tight. Those people touched my life in really happy ways. For two weeks, they somehow became my whole world, and Family Time became my source of happiness.
