Being a YALI Fellow is God’s Grace
Departure
On the plane, I could not believe that I was going to the United States. My eyes were burning of joy, tears were flowing. Quiet, I was struggling with the belt (it is so different compared to what we have in cars), but I did not want someone to notice my ignorance. Sitting between two men, one of them decided to help me and everything was right until i heard a noise: the aircraft was taking off. I felt like vomiting, but I did not. I felt so dizzy, but from this pain, I was much better when I was thinking about the end: The USA and the long journey that was waiting for me. I was so excited to start the program, meet my new friends and see the condition in which we would be living.
A Breathtaking Experience
During this program, I learned to let go of all of my fears, my weaknesses and my shyness. I learned how to be organized and above all to sell my ideas by pitching. It is so relevant for a leader to be a storyteller, a person who within 90 seconds is capable of connecting others with what they are doing. I will be practicing over and over until I become an expert in telling the story of my non-profit organization.
A One-on-One with the Former Governor of Delaware, Jack Markell
It is so easy in the United States to meet the leading figures of the country. Without any protocol and with humbleness, they are so open to their constituency and to people in general no matter where you are from. During our meeting with former Governor Jack Markell, I was given the chance to give him a gift, a special present from my country made of two elephants and a traditional instrument of music. It was such a pleasure.
My YALI experience will be etched in my mind forever, not only because of all the skills I have acquired along the way, but because of the change that has happened in my life from all the people I met here. Their experience, their uniqueness, their advice helped me improve who I am. I have become a better version of myself.