April YES Students of the Month: Haseeb from Pakistan and Ilyass from Morocco
American Councils is pleased to announce our YES Students of the Month: Haseeb from Pakistan and Ilyass from Morocco!
American Councils PO is to announce that two students have been selected for YES Student of the Month: Ilyass Ajoughlal from Morocco and Haseeb Siddiqui from Pakistan! Ilyass and Haseeb are placed in Sacramento, California where they attend Grant Union High School.
In the Grant Union High School community, Ilyass and Haseeb are a testament to the success of the YES program. They have both jumped into classes, extracurriculars, and community service, all while serving as cultural ambassadors and exemplary representatives of the YES program. Both Ilyass and Haseeb are also strong students and have also logged over 100 hours of community service each!
“My biggest accomplishments are completing my 100 hours of volunteering and getting selected for CEW [Civic Education Workshop in Washington, DC].”
As a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and the Baseball Varsity Team, Haseeb found his stride in leadership and sportsmanship. He especially credits his participation in JROTC for motivating him as a leader and a community member. Volunteering has been another meaningful part of Haseeb’s year, and he says that he has especially appreciated his work with Saint John’s Program for Real Change, an organization that provides food for those in need. For Haseeb, volunteering has brought satisfaction and a sense of purpose to his exchange experience, which he plans to hold onto as a YES program alumnus. Haseeb has also been a strong cultural ambassador in and outside of school. Haseeb has particularly enjoyed hosting traditional dinners for his and his host mom’s friends, showcasing the hospitality and love ingrained in his Pakistani traditions.
“This exchange year had a big impact on me that will make me a great leader in the future and make the world a better place.”
Ilyass is always on the lookout for ways to get involved and represent both his country and the YES program through sports, extracurriculars, and volunteering. On the football field, he has built lasting friendships, honed leadership skills, and taught his teammates about his country and culture. Beyond sports, Ilyass is engaged in many school clubs, including FNL (Friday Night Live), the drill team, the Color Guard, and the Raiders. Like Haseeb, Ilyass has logged over 100 volunteer hours and says that his favorite projects have been working with Sacramento-area community members with disabilities, as he’s found purpose in bringing joy and care to those who are often overlooked.
Together, Ilyass and Haseeb embody the spirit of the YES program, bridging worlds through their exchange year. As they continue to navigate their exchange year, their commitment to community, leadership, and cultural exchange serves as an inspiration to all. Whether through sharing traditional meals, leading on the field, or volunteering for those in need, Ilyass and Haseeb are leaving a mark on their host community, embodying the transformative power of an exchange experience!
Interested in sharing your corner of America with another exceptional exchange student? Find out more about how you can host a FLEX or YES program exchange student with American Councils here!
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