My Invaluable Experience at YYAS: Insight for Prospective Candidates, by Kcaliphate Dulleh

My YYAS experience was beyond invaluable to my work as a future leader! Now an alumnus of the program, I can confidently say that my time at YYAS helped me to become a stronger student. I am better equipped with the necessary skills and techniques for applying to universities online and tackling the SAT exam. I have also gained unique insight into global issues and connected with a wide range of peer networks across Africa.

Before my acceptance to YYAS, my ability to respond to critical questions was feeble. Whenever someone asked, “Why do you want to attend our program like this,” I gave vague responses. The moment I started writing the essays, however, I felt that I was about to enter a life changing journey to secure a promising future and education. I reached out to my friend Sekou who had attended YYAS the year prior. He helped me think more critically when responding to the application questions. This guidance and peer support was so appreciated. Where I’m from in Liberia, such online processes are never easy, and providing supporting documents is cumbersome and hard to come by. However, through perseverance and grit, I became empowered to succeed. I was soon ready to start preparing for future applications to universities. To all future applicants, even if you are not accepted to YYAS know that you are on the road to success just by trying!

Truthfully, I was thrilled when I got accepted. The thought of new experiences like sitting on a plane for the first time, meeting friends from around Africa, and living in another country for one week was awe inspiring. I developed confidence in myself and I am now a more optimistic person. I think such an opportunity is only guaranteed at YYAS.

Looking back, I recall with fond memory those funny games we played as a group. I only wish we could have stayed many more weeks! I met some great friends, too, including Yalekeme Edolor and Francis Koroma, who were very sociable and whom I consider to be my true brothers. We established a relationship in seven days which I had not experienced before the program, something that I imagined could only happen at a university.

YYAS has empowered me to pursue higher education. It has exposed me to both local and international perspectives and challenges and opportunities. It has introduced me to the demanding U.S. university admission procedures, while connecting me to other like-minded African students.

Hearing lectures from Yale faculty was also invaluable to my learning. The professors lectured on various topics including pediatric care, HIV/AIDS, democracy in Africa, and philosophy, among other things. This knowledge helped build my intellectual muscles. It was so mind-blowing! Honestly, I had never experienced such a long duration of learning over a short amount of time. It was academically intense unlike my usual schooling in Liberia, where I was pushed to debate and discuss opposing views in class. Whereas before I used to be a bit shy among large groups, this program led me to believe that there is no such thing as a wrong idea. I realized that we can all approach issues differently with our own perspectives, but we can all be right when treated with respect.

A big ‘thank you’ to the entire YYAS Team for facilitating a splendid program, and in particular to Ms. Laura who made YYAS a place that belongs to everyone. Thank you as well to my venerable and outgoing friend Sekou who inspired me to apply and take hold of this opportunity. A very big thanks to Brother Seleke A. Kromah for not only helping me with a letter of recommendation during the application process, but also for helping most Muslim Congress High School students succeed and who now have the chance to study abroad. My sincere appreciation to Brother Alieu Fuad Nyei. And, of course, a huge thanks to my family for their support.

An Experience Worth Saying YYAS!, by Nancy Yunan Liu

Nancy Liu '17 (second from right) takes a selfie with her new friends at YYAS.

As I walked into Arundel school lugging my overstuffed suitcase, I was struck by the architecture and lush greenery of the campus. We were soon ushered into the auditorium where we collected our name tags and drawstring bags containing supplies we’d need throughout the week. This hall was where we’d spend the next few days doing SAT prep, being engrossed in lectures by accomplished Yale faculty, and learning about the college application process.

Throughout YYAS my critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills were put to the test. The rigorous seminars such as The International Criminal Court (for Africa?) and Campaign Speeches: How and Why They Work (or Don’t), as well as workshops such as the NSEW-Leadership Compass, explored multiple perspectives on issues that dared me to think “outside the box”. Fresh opinions were met with respect rather than judgement which made everyone in the group feel at ease.

Eloquent guest speakers from various professions inspired me to “be the genius of my cycle,” instilling the belief that a single voice—my voice—has the power to effect change. It was humbling to listen to others speak so passionately about their ideas for reversing the damaging effects of colonialism, corruption, and patriarchal societies. During heated debates, I would look around the room and notice how, despite our unique appearances, backgrounds, and views, we all carried the same responsibility. We are Africa’s future. I left each discussion filled with a deep sense of satisfaction as well as the thought that I have so much yet to learn.

The Yale mentors were approachable and easy-going. I really appreciated how they made an effort to get to know you and answered honestly about their experiences in university. They were real people who had overcome numerous challenges to be where they are today—which made me think that maybe I could too. Although the tight schedule kept us busy all day, meal times, breaks, and enrichment activities were fantastic times to socialize. My workshop group which consisted of six wonderful human beings including our leader, Jake, will always have a special place in my heart. We were given valuable feedback which was tailored to our personal statements, got to know each other on a deeper level, and played intense card games!

I had gone to YYAS in search of a feeling warmth and I had found it amidst an auditorium filled with hardworking students, a cafeteria erupting with laughter, and exhausted teens sprawled across the lawn. The friends I made came from wildly different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and yet we had similar tastes in music, books, and movies! We shared stories and snacks from all corners of the continent, becoming something I can only describe as family. We ate meals together, endured the grueling diagnostic SAT, debated fervently, and laughed uncontrollably. This for me was the real magic of YYAS.

When the final night rolled around to the infamous talent show, my friends who I had known as goofy intellectuals transformed into musicians, slam poets, and magicians! It was a superb way to wrap up the week. The morning we said goodbye also happened to be my birthday. As I walked out of Arundel School, I left with not only the leadership skills I acquired and the precious friends I had made, but also a firm belief that my dreams were attainable. It was the perfect gift.

My Exciting YYAS Experience in Ghana, by Jeff Kayombo

“It always seems impossible not until it’s done”
-Nelson Mandela

Jeff Kayombo '17 (left) with his new friends at YYAS 2017 in Ghana.

My name is Jeff Kayombo and I am from Lusaka, Zambia. I took part in the Yale Young African Scholars Program in Ghana at Tema International School last year!

I learned about YYAS through a poster that was stuck on the notice boards at school. At that time I was writing my end-of-year exams and I thought it would be wise if I gave it a try as I was going to be free that upcoming holiday. As I curiously started my application and got to learn more about the program, I was so driven and amazed by the academic content and the way it’s conducted. I had always had a huge interest in connecting to a wider network and community of young people across the continent, but I never pictured myself to be part of that until YYAS. Because of my determination and my parents’ support and confidence in me, I was so fortunate that I got accepted into the YYAS 2017 program.

Meeting new people and making incredible friends meant so much as I was able to share my perspective and ideas with peers from all over Africa. I also had the opportunity to learn from my friends about their different educational systems, cultures, and languages. YYAS provided a very safe, sustainable, and conducive leaning environment for all.

One thing I love about the Yale Young African Scholars program is that, as much as it is designed for African secondary school students, it is actually taught by Yale student instructors! The interaction that I had with Yalies themselves was so exciting. As a workshop group we would take short breaks and play awesome games that required a lot of thinking and were very enjoyable, ones that I will never forget. My favorite game was “Buzz-Buzz”.

While at YYAS I also learned how to be responsible and a team player through various activities that I took part in, such as the Lily Pads game. Personal responsibility was a constant theme during YYAS because it’s what is expected of everyone while at university or college. During free time I could often be found at the basketball court with friends playing basketball or football; there my friends and I would swap stories about growing up in our home countries. Being among this wide and diverse community of young people from all over Africa with different beliefs, cultures, and views made me think critically and outside the box. The way I used to approach one-on-one conversations and group discussions before and after YYAS has been quite a development. And as much as it was a very busy academic week, I also enjoyed the food: our first meal upon arrival was accompanied by some Ghanaian local yam!

It was at YYAS that I gained so much knowledge on different topics such as ethics of leadership and the importance of working together to embrace diversity, as well as other interesting topics and discussions that were covered during the seminars. One particularly enlightening moment was during a seminar titled “The Little Rhino that Couldn’t: Poaching and Conservation in Southern and Eastern Africa” when I learned how rhinos are one of the world’s critically endangered species. We also talked about possible measures that can be put in place to try and rehabilitate our natural resources. I found these conversations to be so interesting because I consider myself to be an environmentalist. The fact that the YYAS program covers a wide range of topics including leadership, culture, technology, human rights, wildlife and environmental protection, to mention a few, was so inspiring – the program truly encapsulated the meaning of diversity!

I would personally recommend the Yale Young African Scholars Program to all African high school students who are driven and would like to explore the many aspects of university life!

YYAS: A Life-Transforming Experience, by Yeabsira Degefu

Yeabsira Degefu '17 (right) with a Yale student instructor (middle) and fellow participant (left) during YYAS 2017 in Rwanda.

My experience at the Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) has helped to shape me in ways I didn’t even think were possible. Besides the expected academic coursework, it taught me a lot about teamwork, independence, responsibility, leadership, and diversity. With over thirty African countries represented in my Rwanda cohort, I met students from all across the continent. Not only did I experience being away from my family for the first time, but I was exposed to different cultures, traditions, and values—it was phenomenal! 

YYAS provided me with a unique experience of travelling and spending a week independent of my family. I have learned to function on my own and make myself comfortable in a crowd of people I’m not familiar with. The people who were strangers to me at the beginning of the program were like family at the end. It really felt like I had built lifelong friendships through my shared experience with the wonderful students there. It was very fascinating to be in a room filled with future leaders not only of Africa, but also the world. 

Each day of the program was filled with thrilling activities and events. Every evening we were asked to share something that we learned during the day that we didn’t know the previous day. This helped us learn from one another and gave us the opportunity to see things from different perspectives. I had the opportunity to talk to most of the students during our free time and learn about different cultures in Africa. It was so intriguing how everyone had different backgrounds and stories to share!

Throughout the week we received guidance on the university application process, heard lectures delivered by Yale professors and local speakers, and met admissions officers and representatives from many reputable universities. In addition we had free SAT tutorials in both small and large group settings, and had enrichment activities (fancy name for games!) with lessons about leadership and the importance of teamwork. And let me not forget to mention the fun talent show on the last evening! At the end of the program, we were given mentors to help us for the next year with our university applications. 

Looking back, I see that YYAS made a positive impact on me in many ways. After attending the program, I gained a new perspective—not only of myself, but also of the world around me. I never thought of myself as a leader before attending. During the application process, after reading that the program was designed for leaders, I didn’t think that I would make it. But now, after the whole experience, I learned what it really means to be a leader and that everyone has the capacity to develop into one. I also realized that every person has something very unique to share with others, and joining hands is the key to solving major world problems.  

My YYAS experience helped me greatly develop a lot of important life skills. The program has had a lasting impact on me and helped me see my future path more clearly. Every moment of the YYAS program was enjoyable. I’m very grateful that I had this opportunity and I strongly encourage others to apply!

My Amazing YYAS Experience, by Ruth Mekonnen

Ruth Mekonnen '17 (right) shares a smile with her friend and fellow participant at YYAS 2017 in Zimbabwe.

If you had asked me two years ago whether I could see myself boarding a flight on my own to attend a high intensity summer program all the way in the southern hemisphere, I would have replied with an automatic ‘no’. But believe it or not, I, Ruth Alemu Mekonnen, had actually managed to snag a spot at YYAS and I will forever be indebted to the YYAS team for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

Those seven action-packed days at Arundel School in Harare, Zimbabwe, changed me tremendously. Each day at the program I heard a thought-provoking lecture delivered by renowned Yale faculty followed by an intense discussion session section with my fellow participants, which is when I really get to know my peers. The atmosphere was similar during our assigned seminars, which covered a wide range of topics and themes. I thoroughly enjoyed the heated debates and enlightening conversations we had during these times of day. Being surrounded by people with many different perspectives was the highlight of the program. They made me think of things I would never even consider before. Moreover, I feel much more aware of what is happening in other parts of Africa now more than ever.

Prior to YYAS I was left in the dark about what is needed to apply college. Other than the rare university workshops that I attended once in a while in my community, I pretty much knew little to nothing about college and university applications. However, the daily university guidance sessions at YYAS held by Ms. Laura and the individualized assistance I received during the nightly workshops with my Yale student instructor changed this. Now I know who to ask for letters of recommendation, what I need to improve about my personal essay, and, overall, how to present myself as best I can to a university of my choice.

Although it was a shock at first, the diagnostic practice SAT test that we took in the beginning of the week helped me pinpoint exactly what I needed to work on to improve my test-taking skills. I also found the daily SAT preparation classes taught by Ms. Esther to be immensely helpful. With much needed tips and tricks up my sleeve, I now feel better prepared!

Most importantly, before YYAS I had never considered myself as leadership material. I used to be more the type of student that was quietly involved in executing plans, and never thought I would be the ones calling the shots. But now I can say that my definition of a leader has broadened and I am more confident in myself. Although I might not fit the criteria of a stereotypical leader, I do not need to. I am a proud alumna of the YYAS Program!