By Saif Ur Rehman, YES 2014-2015, Pakistan, hosted by YFU in Ann Harbor, MI
I am Saif Ur Rehman, an exchange student from Pakistan. I have been meeting wonderful people and learning a lot about America since the day I arrived. YES has given me so much to be grateful for, and Civic Education Week is one of the things I am most grateful for this year because it brought 100 amazing people from 33 different countries to Washington D.C. to learn about the American government system and to explore American history.
This workshop gave me incredible opportunities, like meeting Senators Debie Dingell and Gary Peters, and talking to them about my exchange experience; listening to the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Evan Ryan, and asking her questions; and discussing what life after the program is like with YES and YES-Abroad alumni. Not only that, but this workshop also allowed me to see the beautiful museums and memorials in D.C., and learn more about American history.
I learned a lot during Civic Education Week, particularly during the countering extremism session, during which we got the chance to interact with international scholars and hear their views. I also learned a lot during the grassroots volunteerism session, when we were divided by region and asked to choose a pressing issue and brainstorm solutions for it. Once we found a possible solution, we created a project and presented our ideas to the other groups. This activity taught me that in order to create a big change, we must first take small steps.
I was honored to be chosen as a Social Media Specialist for this workshop. Not only did it make the workshop even more awesome for me, but it also helped to nourish my skills. All-in-all, this week has given me so many memories that I will cherish, and taught me a great deal, which I will carry with me to my home country and use to bring a positive change. I would like to thank the U.S. Department of State, the American Civics Center mentors, David Parker and Sari, American Councils, notably Mr.Tim Hair, YES and YES Abroad alumni for making this workshop happen.
