Everything was going perfect, sun was at its rise, shining bright and I, Saleema Khowaja with my parents, grandparents and gorgeous elder sister was having lunch when suddenly there was a knock at the door and I heard my sister screaming with a big smile on her face as she opened that letter. The only words I can remember she said were “Yes! You are going to your dream land finally...!” The next day in my school bus, I was shocked and surprised to know that my best friend also got the scholarship and would be traveling along with me to my dream land. It seemed like God was utterly happy with me as on reaching to school we came to know that our other two class mates were also selected. Not only were our teachers but the whole St. Bonaventure High School was really proud of all of us; claps and appreciation was all around us. A couple days after I was informed about my placement, I was placed in a land with milky streams, glitters of snow, cotton beds and moo-moo of cows, a perfect place--my dream land Appleton, Wisconsin here I come. As I began to reflect on my experience, I realized that two wise statements define my memories.

“I do not know what’s beneath sky nor on what seas shall be thy fate; I only know it shall be high, I only know it shall be great.”
-Richard Hovey

As all other fairy tales, this journey from my small city, Hyderabad, Pakistan, to fairy land started with big smiles and loud laughs across the walls of American University in Washington, D.C. But as soon as time came to say goodbyes to all the friends a witch of loneliness bought big tears in my big dark eyes which were to be expected but hey it’s a fairy tale! My big tears were dried by warm welcome hugs and kisses of blond fairies, my host family which included tall and hilarious host dad Tom, friendly and most loving host mom Kristy, and most adorable princess Flora, and lastly my prince, who was hiding in my host mom’s belly at that time, Prince Leo. All the way from the airport to home I was so scared to see my new fairy land: pets two giant dogs and three kitties but every single worry vanished as I saw that cute dream palace and my host mom gave me my personal pretty pink keys. I unlocked and stepped in actually, stepped down by the lovely licks and hugs of my pets.

Days and months passed away within the blink of my eye. American family life is really interesting, full of fun and love. We usually go out for dinner and walk downtown, go shopping, watch TV while eating chips and popcorn and do lots of fun activities. Finally came my first American festival: “Halloween.” All the fairies were dressed up fancy and went out for trick or treat; so did I. Next what I was waiting for was who would be the new king of my dream land? Yes, Elections 2008. I helped in a democratic campaigning and also went along with my host dad to vote for Barack Obama and he won!! It was the most remarkable day in history since he is the first young and black president (king) of United States of America. It has been so interesting to learn how fairies fought against witches to secure this fairy land. I learned not only this but here in my magical school I play with numerical digits in advanced algebra, apply new experiments in chemistry, design clothes and homes in fashion class, learn new language Spanish and play sports in gym like swimming, golf, ultimate Frisbee and flag football and was also awarded as an honorable student at school. As of December, everything I dreamt and wished was here except for that stubborn little prince inside my host mom’s belly who didn’t want to get out it was already a perfect dreamy, scene outside cotton beds and snowy glitters; my host family took me skiing, snowboarding, and we made a snowman and angels what else was missing? Oh yeah! Time to get our Christmas tree, a week before Christmas we got our tree. What fairy tale holiday would be complete without sparkling lights and star, it means sprinkle some stuff on our tree. Hooray! Its time to open our Christmas presents. The best advantage of being with Enzs is the extended family bonding they had. This also means lots and lots of gift! Why don’t we have Christmas in Pakistan it’s an awesome festival. Finally after 4 months I came to knew why all the kids get fat after their visit to fairy land. Each year my host grandmother and her sister celebrate Cookie & Candy Day. This is the day in the month of December and this time I was invited as a special guest who was in no time surrounded by thousands of candies, and I didn’t care about getting fat. I am a Chocoholic person so I ate and ate and ate... hehe.

Kicks! Woo- I felt kicks! No don’t worry no witches here. Its Prince Leo everyone’s little dream come true, (even though my host mom probably started in realize he is in devils dorm. Well he was finally ready to come out and here I saw my host dad running to get a pool ready with hot water, the midwife entered. My host mom gets into the pool and pushed, pushed, finally we all welcomed Prince Leo Thomas Enz to this world with all our love; he is just too perfect.

Happy New Year 2009! It’s going to be the most memorable year of my life and a year full of traveling; in the end of March my area representor took all the exchange students to the land of Sunshine, Florida. I had so much fun; we went to beaches, water parks, and Disney world and did much more exciting stuff. Again I saw glitters of snow yes that means we were back in Wisconsin where it’s still snowing (though it’s April)! Well my traveling is not yet over; I unpacked and then re-packed my stuff to go on a long vacation, first to Chicago, then Arizona and Los Angeles. Finally I was tired and back at home, welcomed again with love and hugs by my fairy family, since this was my last month. It was going really fast. Mostly every weekend we were up north enjoying with whole fairy family, moreover I also attended four fairy dream weddings where a prince charming came on a horse to get his bride, and experienced crazy American traditions. My Life’s Fairy Tale is more than just a bedtime story; not because it taught me that witches exist, but because it taught me that witches can be beaten.

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” 
- Mother Teresa

Given a chance to be a small part of this great community, I tried my best to promote my culture by giving presentations and by my own behavior, character, and dressing and also served many fairies to thank them for all the love they gave me. In my magical school I joined Key Club, International Club and Amnesty International Club which are all volunteers’ service clubs. I enjoyed helping elders rake leaves from their yards, Christmas caroling for them, help Kiwanis in a brat fry, chili fest and porky pancake breakfast. We walked miles and miles for babies and third world countries like Nicaragua. I helped Lions club in poinsettia sale and much more. I simply cannot describe the good feeling I felt when I see a smile on somebody's face, when I go to bed at night knowing I did something good today. I got more than just hours of volunteering, I got a part of myself who loves kids now, who can hug an old lonely man without hesitating, and I got a new human being who realizes the world is not all about her: me, that human being is me! I know now that I can make a change. I also got to see the State Capital Building and know how Fairies do politics. Interesting right?? And my host grand parents took me to Church and I learned the ethics of Christianity. 

Lastly, for outbound YES students my advice would be dream and live your dream here; you are lucky to get this chance. Enjoy have fun; Americans are fairies of my fairy tale but you can make it yours. Step in this fairy tale and try to get best out of it. Just remember throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.

Nayab with her host family, principal, community representative, and Senator Richard Lugar

In December 2007, I received approval to be considered for a scholarship; I knew that YES had given me a platform to start my life on; it was like an airplane beginning to take off was shown the path to the runway. And yes I took off too, but only after trimming my crude edges and becoming an example of a true Pakistani. I began observing for the true identity of Pakistan around me. I saw that Pakistan in the eyes of a hardworking shopkeeper, it was in the eyes of old people and in the hearts of the youth as zeal and fervor. I diligently continued fulfilling the myriad requirements of the scholarship; writing essays, doing community service projects and foremost appreciating being a Pakistani. After that it was a series of rapid euphoric incidents, and my senses returned only when I stood at the Airport in Washington DC, to realize the step I had taken. I was astounded furthermore to meet people from around the world, which showed me that we are all just part of one, united world. I was ecstatic to meet the people who had openheartedly accepted a stranger like me. But I felt no surprise or culture shock at first because the Estes family welcomed me in a familiar way as if I was a part of their life. Thus began a new journey with new companions, from whom what I have learned is impossible to summarize. The rest of my days were spent on a beautiful farm in the middle of Missouri's luscious green country side. Gradually I met new people; saw many new things which were awe-inspiring. It was a great fortune for me that my Host Grandmother had visited Pakistan and my Mom was a culturally aware person; she ate the Rotis I cooked, she liked my Henna patterns and made me teach her Urdu. I was proud of Pakistan. During that time I practiced my religion and my host family was extremely tolerant of my religious habits, I don't recall a single time when they would eat pork while I was around, I never intended for them to do so but it was a sign of their respect for my values. Together with my two younger host sisters I enjoyed numerous occasions. Their jokes never failed to amuse me and my laughter was forever ringing in the air. Laughter was perhaps my greatest therapy for problems; all I had to do was laugh at myself and things transformed. This has become a lifelong lesson.

At school I met polite and charming teachers, I was at all times grateful to their efforts of including me in clubs, but I learnt that in order to progress one has to take initiative. Because of my determination I made the school proud, I got an award as a member of a Speech Team, I became a member of National Honors Society, I was awarded to be the best delegate in Model United Nation and I was an outstanding Lawyer in Mock Trial. The value of my achievement is in my personality today as I am not afraid to speak, not afraid to pursue my interests today I know what I excel at and what I have to strive for.

In the closely knit community of Owensville I discovered many interwoven friendships, and I was delighted to become friends with such people. They realized the stipulations on my lifestyle and appreciated the different aspects of my country. I reminisce about the time when they were all so inquisitive about me; with them I developed a connection of full trust, love and fun. We had slumber parties, movie nights, and outings, where I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was learning how significant friendships are. I always looked upon myself as a person who is relatively reserved, but my friends taught me that if you want to develop a long-lasting bond I needed to be more outgoing. During the time when I was involved in Speech Team, and mock trial I understood the mindset of more people.

Coupled with this I learnt about new religions by joining a Church Youth Group. I got an insight on major religions of the world and also found out that inorder to open one's mind a person has to be tolerant of differences and appreciate diversity. If I was adamant about my beliefs and tried to impose them, there was no possible way for me to find out about the wonderful aspects of other faiths. Several times during discussions I stumbled across stereotypes about Muslims. At that time I pondered over the choice I had. I could start arguing, which would inevitably be worthless, or I could talk to them and reason with people by getting my opinion across. Very soon I learnt that if I didn't take the first step people will be unwilling to approach me. People saw me as friendly and they were more willing to learn about Islam. I understood very quickly that I did not have enough time in US to quarrel with people or to tell them what I thought was right, because nevertheless I was an outsider in their lives; the greater adjustment and flexibility should be on my side, they did their part by accepting and welcoming me and it was my turn to repay their generosity.

I thank my Host Family who empathized with my discomfort in certain situations. But that did not imply that I kept back from having fun. To quote from a true American, "I was game for anything!" This was my Host Father's good friend. At the onset of winter, we started planning fishing trips. A comical incident I remember is that, while we were on the boat a sharp branch came in the way and it hit me right across my face. My Host Dad thought I was insane because I burst into tears of laughter, it was unexpected and humorous because in life many branches will hit you across your face, some harder than other but you can't go back and fight over things that have happened, all you could do is be more cautious to avoid the next one.

My entire stay has been expecting the unexpected; and I had the most superb time of my life. To end this speech is a huge task because many stories are still untold, but I will always remember the love of the people of Owensville and my Host Family's amazing grasp of understanding me. I have learnt so many new lessons and I have changed myself so much that I feel like a better person. Moreover, I have realized what a beautiful country America is and I greatly commend the generosity of its inhabitants; I found out what a prized possession I have in the form of Pakistan, and what role I as a young person have in building the bridges between nations.

Lastly, I thank the sponsoring organizations and the U.S. Department of State for making such a massive difference in life of a normal, common Pakistani girl's life, who thought once that she wouldn't be able to fly!
 

Below is a letter from a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship student Bianca Todte. She recently met her congresswoman, Lynn Jenkins.

Bianca and Lynn

My name is Bianca Todte, I am 16 years old and I am from Germany. The idea of becoming a foreign exchange student started pretty early, in 8th grade. I told my parents about that but they said that I would be too young. But the idea never really faded.

Eventually, I decided to take the scholarship from the CBYX program after they told me after a long procedure and tests that I finally received the scholarship.

So I began preparing for my adventure and went also to the one week of preparation from AYUSA. Then finally the big day arrived and I found myself being in Topeka, Kansas.

The first time in the US was really exciting and interesting. I think there is no big difference between living with an American family and with a German family. But, pets are definitely more a member of the family than in Germany, and the meals are very different, too. Sport is a very big deal here! Almost everybody loves football and me and my family go to all the basketball games from the universities in Topeka. Also in high school sports are a big deal! But I just love the school spirit here. Everybody is proud of our school! The Americans are very nice and it didn't take me very long to get to know a lot of people. I noticed since I came here is that Americans are very friendly.

Today I met with the member of congress, Lynn Jenkins. She was much nicer than I expected. We just talked a little bit about me and what I think about the USA and Topeka. When you see somebody on TV then this person seems to be so unreachable and important. So I was really excited before meeting her, because I didn't know what to say and how she is going to be. But I was surprised. She was very friendly and we had a small talk about simple stuff and we laughed and she also hugged me. So she was just a human as you and I are.

I learned already a lot about myself here and I am much more open than I was before. I just enjoy experiencing another view and attitude from another culture and country and I think that will help me to see the world a lot different. For example, not to judge anything before you really get to know it and that there is a reason for all the actions that seems to be strange, but only because you didn't try to understand the reason.

I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here. I learn so much and make unforgettable experiences. Thank you so much!