Inam Hussain Ansari is our YES alumna (2021). She belongs from Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan. Living in a town as small as Skardu, Inam always had big dreams. Inam knew what she wanted so she passionately chased her dream. She had been looking forward to a prestigious scholarship to study abroad and have a cross-cultural experience. Inam had her eyes on the YES scholarship for five years. Her wait didn’t go in vain. Fortune smiled at her, and she was shortlisted for Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program after a tough selection process. “I was so happy and proud to be an ambassador of my country,” shared Inam.
She was the only student from Gilgit Baltistan in that batch of 87 students that left for the U.S. in August 2021. Inam was placed in a high school in Idaho. The ‘YES’ program not only fulfilled her dream of being an international student, but also it shaped her entire personality in all aspects. She got a wonderful chance to live with an exceptionally amazing family who took care of her as her own family would do. They loved her and supported her. “I had the opportunity to visit some different states with my host family during my exchange year which was a wholesome experience. While being in the states, I successfully gave over 30 presentations about Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan.”
Inam believes this program has helped her acknowledge herself and made her realize how important it is to step out of your comfort zone if you want to achieve something. It has made her more responsible, compassionate, and confident, and helped her to become the best version of herself. She took part in different sports like tennis, soccer, and basketball. “Today, I can proudly say that I have successfully spent a year in America and have represented my country in the best way I could.”
“Nothing is impossible to achieve if one shows determination and always strives for it. As it is well said, “God helps those who help themselves”. Inam.
