By Razie Salif, YES Alumna 2013-2014, Bulgaria
Dear Host Families all over the US,
I am writing to you to tell you something very special. My name is Razie Salif. I am an 18 year-old girl from Bulgaria; now a YES alumna. I was an exchange student in a Chicago suburb during the 2013-2014 school year. Having just returned from the United States, I had a lot of time to think over many things that happened during that year. I have changed a lot. I didn't really realize that while I was there, but now I can evaluate my experiences realistically, without being drawn into a sea of emotions that I am unable to control. I just really wanted to tell you how much I admire all of you, host families, and how much you inspire me for all you do.
I admire you because you accept complete strangers into your homes. I admire you because you take us, exchange students, as members of your family without even giving it a second thought. I admire you for the little at-first-sight things you do for us: for giving us food and shelter, for taking care of us and staying with us in good or bad moments. Most of all, I admire you because you helped me see the world, get through every single bad moment I had, cross mountains just by being there for me, be determined and believe in my dreams. You helped me make a change in other peoples' lives.
You inspire me to be a better person, as you showed me that one does not necessarily have to be given money in order to do good. You inspire me because you showed me that peace is an essential part of our lives and we should give all we have to keep it safe. You inspire me because every year you give hundreds of kids, just like me, the opportunity to live an adventure they will never forget and they learn a lot from. My inspirations will definitely lead to continuing this chain of spreading peace all over the world and wherever I go, but will not stop there.
Dearest host families, please keep doing what you do, because one day the children you gave this unique opportunity to will change the world. I admire you for the people you are and I admire you for what you do. If it weren't for my host family, Cathy and Paul Burdick, I would probably not have the chance to live my American dream and be the person I am right now. So, thank you all for everything you give just for the sake of sharing cultures, giving mutual understanding, and achieving peace among people. I am sure that I am not the only person who appreciates your actions.
With lots of love,
Razie Salif
Razie Salif participated on the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. The program is funded through the US Department of State and provides scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the US While in the US, students live with host families, attend high school, learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate others about their own countries and cultures.
Razie Salif was placed by AFS-USA.