In the summer of 2019, I was given the chance to attend the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) summer Program held annually (June-July) in the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut. This is where I expanded my understanding of international affairs and globalization and how to develop and implement positive actions to counteract some worldwide issues. During the two weeks, I met 169 people from 92 different countries.
During the two-week-long program, I attended seminars and lectures held by professors and post-graduate students from Yale and other universities. The diversity in the sessions helped me learn to look at things from different perspectives. Addressing problems that world leaders are currently discussing, led me to understand the power of proposing effective and feasible solutions. We discussed current issues and their effects on today’s society and how to channel them for good causes. I was also part of the Ethnicity Race and Gender capstone group where my group members and I chose to research Racial Democracy in Brazil.
Based on my audition, I was also selected to present in the YYGS Speakers Series. This series follows the TED-talk format and was attended by students in the International Affairs and Globalization session and some of the program’s faculty. I gave a five-minute speech titled The Evolution of Racism. While discussing topics that matter today I made a lot of friends from all over the world. I am sure the friendships I made are ones that will last forever.
The program includes different sessions; from politics, law and economics to literature philosophy and culture. It is an excellent chance for high schoolers to meet new people and add to their experience while making friends from all over the world.
To learn more about the program visit the YYGS website. https://globalscholars.yale.edu/
Betselot Dejene was one of the founders of One Planet School’s Dinkinesh Club. “I helped plan and execute the D.R.O.P.S project”. She wanted the chance to showcase her experience at the Yale Young Global Scholars program because “I believe many students can learn from my experience and be motivated to apply for the next session”.