What did YYGS mean to me? It was far more than just a two-week trip to the U.S.; it was a time for learning, reflection, and creating lasting memories. Join me as I take you down memory lane and share more about my experience.
YYGS Session One began on June 23, 2024. I boarded the plane on June 22, flying from Nigeria with two connecting flights and a bus ride to Yale University in Connecticut. There, I met my first two amazing friends. Though I don’t believe in love at first sight, and despite being a fan of romantic movies, I was skeptical—until June 23, 2024. After 23 hours of travel and second-guessing my decision to leave my comfort zone, I was unsure if this was the right choice. Being shy and not great at making friends, I was apprehensive. However, stepping off the bus, I fell in love with everything: the architecture, the cars, the university, and, most importantly, the coffee.
After settling into my room, a kind instructor guided me to my residential college (I’m terrible with maps). Almost immediately, someone from my suite knocked on my door and said, “Hi, my name is Leila, what’s yours?” The rest, as they say, is history. Leila invited me out of my room, and we walked and talked, exploring the city and forming an unbreakable bond.
My first lecture on Solving Global Challenges was more than amazing. Contrary to my expectations, the lectures were engaging and far from boring. My first seminar wasn’t my first choice, but I learned a lot about culture and how people define themselves within it. I discovered that culture is more about where you feel at home than where you were born. The seminar I loved the most explored social backgrounds and questioned whether the system is inherently flawed, or if it functions as intended—favoring the rich and widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
Did I feel nervous? Scared? Unbelonging? Yes, but I chose to keep an open mind and focus on why I was there; The lectures were intellectually stimulating, the seminars were enlightening, and family time was invaluable(shout out to SGC fam 1 session I 2024 and Maju). The instructors were incredibly kind, and the residential life staff were supportive and caring. But what made YYGS truly unforgettable were the magical friendships I made—connections with people from around the world whom I might never have met otherwise. I’ll always treasure these relationships, and I have YYGS to thank for that. So, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this experience possible. Thank you for giving this girl the time of her life.
Peace, YYGS 2024, Nigeria