I performed “Comments & Lies” a spoken word poem I wrote, at my farewell in Lahore, Pakistan. For those who are not familiar with the name “farewell”, it is the end-of-the-year ceremony for high school seniors in Pakistan (similar to prom in the U.S.) Here’s the poem: I belong to a society trapped in … More Comments & Lies | Pakistani Spoken Word
After coming back home from my State Department sponsored high school exchange program, I realized why we called the States our second home. It is because your heart is no longer complete even in your home country. That is not a bad thing. It’s only because you have made life-long bonds and friendships and have … More Developing Countries Youth Leadership Program And Conference
Being a part of the Roots Millennium School System in Pakistan has helped me avail a multitude of opportunities. Roots is a hub of national and international opportunities and experiences, counselling and guidance under the leadership of CEO Sir Faisal Mushtaq. One of the most significant opportunities was representing my school in a meeting with … More Roots Millennium Students Meet The Prime Minister of Pakistan
As a part of their #EmpowerHer campaign Sync City teamed up with the YES Alumni Network Pakistan to celebrate “International Day of the Girl Child” at a local high school on the 11th of October, 2017 . In this one day workshop, the importance of this day and women’s rights were discussed. The speakers also…
In July, 2016 I carried out my first volunteering project after my arrival in Pakistan through the YES Alumni network platform. With the help of a fellow volunteers Wajiha and Akmal, I carried out the project “Spreading Smiles” in Punjab Institute of Cardiology. We went to PIC and spent time with terminally ill children, brought them goodies … More Project Spreading Smiles
International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education that provides an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This week is a very important part of the year for most if not all exchange students because it gives them an … More Guide to IEW and Presentations during Exchange
One of my most memorable volunteering experiences during my exchange year, was the Washington DC Turkish Festival. It was the 13th annual Turkish Festival, I believe. And although this is fairly late on my part, I won’t stop posting about my exchange year and the wonderful experiences I had anytime soon, so please bear with … More Washington DC Turkish Festival 2015
As I got back home after exchange, I realized how much I truly want to know more about my own culture and history. Never before have I ever been so excited to see historical buildings. Now, I finally realize how unique, beautiful and special they are. I explored some of the Walled city of Lahore. … More Travel :Walled City of Lahore (اندرون شہر)
It was the summer of 2015 and I was preparing to go on my exchange. But as I thought of all the good times and exciting days that lay ahead of me, I was also mindful of how the end of my exchange would be sad, perhaps scary. Why? Because I was convinced by so … More Post Exchange Diaries
As many exchange students prepare for their year abroad, I know that a lot of them think about what they want to bring for their host family and friends from their host country. This is actually a very good thing to be thinking about because host families are a wonderful group of people who are … More Gift Ideas for Host Family & Friends
The Progress Element 