Alumni Representatives

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y when I searched on the internet for programs that offered studying Mandarin Chinese abroad on a scholarship.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
One time I heard a joke that went, “What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call a person who speaks only one language? An American.” Although funny, this is not entirely true. At times, Americans are negatively portrayed as people who are not eager to learn foreign languages. As an American, I believe it is my responsibility to disprove that. I chose to learn Chinese because it is proven to be one of the most challenging languages for an American to learn. I am also interested in how China is able to have its ancient and modern culture coexist in its society today. As someone who understands the importance of US-China Relations, I believe that in order to understand China and build effective communication between each country, I must break down language barriers.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
For my undergraduate studies, I will double major in Political Science and Chinese. After undergraduate school, I will go to Law School. Professionally speaking, I am interested in working on both the domestic and international scale. I strive to work in Florida and focus on domestic issues including homelessness, human rights, and immigration. Later in my career, I hope to work with the U.S. government on an international level. I plan on using my English, Spanish, American Sign Language, and Chinese language skills in the workforce.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
In the future, I plan to use my Chinese language and cultural skills in my personal, academic, and professional life. In my personal life, I regularly talk with my Chinese host family and friends. Academically speaking, I will attend a weekend Chinese school for three semesters to continue learning about Chinese language and culture. Next, I will take the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam during my senior year. I aim to go to China, after high school, with NSLI-Y on an Academic Year program to strengthen and solidify my language and cultural learning. I envision being in a workforce where I can use my language skills daily as a lawyer, Foreign Service officer, or United States Diplomat.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
Spending six weeks in China with NSLI-Y intensively learning Mandarin Chinese has reiterated and strengthened my goals of becoming proficient in Chinese; working in a field related to international relations; and using my skills in Mandarin Chinese as an almost daily routine in my academic, professional, and personal life. During the summer of 2015, I lived through six weeks of pure hard work, determination, and perseverance as I strived to absorb as much Chinese language and culture as possible. Although I had no prior Chinese language experience, my ambition proved successful as I earned the Intermediate Level on the Chinese OPI. Reaching this accomplishment has taught me that if there’s a will, there’s a way.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
During my NSLI-Y experience, I became more confident, independent, and open-minded. NSLI-Y applicants are people who already crave to experience and learn about the world, however, though I already saw myself as open-minded, my eyes were opened even more during my NSLI-Y experience. I gained a better understanding of China as well as the United States by trying new experiences and stepping out of my comfort zone. During my NSLI-Y experience, I popped that bubble and became closer to being a global citizen. Each and every day – whether through serving as an NSLI-Y Alumni Representative or continuing my language and cultural learning – I work hard to maintain that role.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part about studying in China was all the support I received from my host family, peer tutors, teachers, local coordinators, American NSLI-Y students, and AFS-China. Everyone encouraged each other and we were all a great NSLI-Y AFS family. I remember when a student felt discouraged and told her teacher, the teacher gave her a pep talk, telling her not to give up because he believed in her. He spent extra time with her during breaks to help her practice. The teachers were willing to go above and beyond to help everyone succeed. My host father and sister also helped me study and complete my homework every night. Having their constant support meant the world to me. Although Chinese is one of the hardest languages for an American to learn, China’s environment encouraged me to work diligently to learn as much Chinese as possible.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
Towards the end of the summer, I was invited to not only attend, but also participate in a Chinese traditional wedding ceremony. Chinese traditional weddings are not as common today, and none of my Chinese friends had ever experienced a Chinese traditional wedding until that day. I was very humbled to be able to experience a Chinese traditional wedding since not many people have that opportunity, and I was more humbled to be the only American to be in the ceremony! I learned about ancient Chinese culture, dress, and values. It was amazing to live in a beautiful city and still experience traditional roots.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
Chinese is an incredibly beautiful language, and it is difficult for me to pick just one phrase.

别客气 (bie2 ke4 qi5) – “Make yourself at home.” In order to make me feel welcomed, my host father and sister would say this to me.

学霸 (xue2 ba4) – A nickname for someone who is very studious. Since I did not formally learn Chinese before going to China, I intensively studied to try to be the best student possible. My host father and sister would always support me and gave me this nickname.

有缘千里来相会 (you3 yuan2 qian1 li3 lai2 xiang1 hui4) – “Across thousands of miles we will be together if fate allows.” This was one of the first phrases that my host family taught me, and it holds a special place in my heart.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
Along with Chinese and English, I also speak Spanish and know American Sign Language (ASL), and I blogged my 2015 summer experience in Deyang, China with NSLI-Y AFS on my blog at www.angelavavonce.wordpress.com!

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y when I was researching summer Chinese classes and study abroad programs online.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I am half Taiwanese, but did not grow up speaking Mandarin at home. In middle school, some friends asked why I couldn’t speak Chinese. At the time I didn’t have a good answer, but it sparked my interest in studying the language and learning more about the culture. I took the First Year Intensive course at the University of Washington the summer before my junior year and fell in love with the language, which inspired me to go beyond the classroom and apply to study in China for a summer.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I plan to major in International Relations and minor in Chinese and Korean. I aim to pursue a career that involves both working in foreign affairs and using my language skills.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
NSLI-Y vastly improved my Chinese skills and allowed me to make friends both in the U.S. and abroad. The NSLI-Y community is very driven and passionate about language learning; this learning environment on the program made my experience even more beneficial. We had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu and meet Foreign Service Officers during our program. Talking to these Foreign Service Officers about their work inspired me to pursue a career in foreign affairs in the future.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned to be more flexible, independent, and confident during my NSLI-Y experience. Before my NSLI-Y experience, I was unconfident in my Chinese speaking skills. After using it on a daily basis and achieving an Advanced Low level on the OPI after the program, I came back to the U.S. able to speak Chinese with my friends and make new connections because of my language skills.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part about studying in China was the community I became a part of. My host family, peer tutors, teachers, local coordinators, and NSLI-Y peers were all extremely supportive throughout the program. The community I was with in Deyang made my NSLI-Y experience more life-changing than I could ever have imagined.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Before my NSLI-Y experience, I knew that education and respect for teachers was a major part of Chinese culture. What I didn’t know was how close the student-teacher bond is, just in a different way than it is in the U.S. One of my teachers took me and a classmate to Wenmiao Square for dinner and taught us to play Mahjong, which was a great way for us to get to know our teacher better and learn about Chinese culture at the same time.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
On the last night returning to the U.S., I spent some time with my local coordinator, Elaine, and one of the AFS volunteers, Xinyi, in our hotel. We talked about my experience in Deyang and much more—all in Chinese. Before then, I hadn’t thought about how accustomed I had become to speaking Chinese, but in that moment, I realized how much progress I had made over my six weeks in China. It was an amazing feeling knowing my hard work had paid off.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“好好学习，天天向上！”This is a Chinese saying that means “if you study, you will make progress every day.” In Deyang, we learned this phrase when our teachers wanted to encourage us to keep studying Chinese.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
Besides Chinese, I also have an intermediate proficiency in Korean and have taken French for four years. While I was in Deyang, I kept a blog about my experiences at www.seoyangmeetsdeyang.wordpress.com.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I never gave myself the opportunity to learn Chinese as a kid because I wanted to spend my time playing sports and instruments.  At the end of middle school, I realized my mistake. I started taking Chinese in high school because I knew that knowledge of Chinese would open up so many doors and opportunities, especially in international politics and law. 

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I plan to major in political science or international relations with a focus on environmental policy and then go to law school.  I want to be an international lawyer or diplomat working towards environmental sustainability, but I’m also interested in intellectual property rights and global economics.

 
How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
The fields I want to go into are all heavily dependent on Chinese policy, and my ultimate dream is to work in China for an American law firm or the U.S. government.  I would also like to teach English to underprivileged Chinese kids at some point, possibly as a gap year before law school. 

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
Leadership and flexibility were the most significant.  I’m more confident in my decisions and actions overall, and I’m less anxious about uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations.  I was thrown into so many situations that I wasn’t expecting – conversations with my cab driver, getting lost, bus rides, riding roller coasters – that now basically everything seems manageable and I have even more faith that I can do whatever I set my mind to.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
Getting to actually see the culture! I had all these preconceived notions of what life would be like. When I got to Zhuhai, everything was so different and it made the experience so much more exciting; being surrounded by the culture also meant being surrounded by the language, so I loved feeling my language skills and the confidence I have in them increase every day.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“玩儿” (wan3 er) which means “to play;” really I just like any word that has the “儿” because I love the way it sounds and it’s a very distinctive part of a northern accent.
I also really like “热狗” (re4gou3) which means “hot dog” and is a literal translation.  “Hot dog” sounds really normal in English because I’m so used to it but the direct translation points out how weird the name actually is. 

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
The first country I fell in love with was Germany.  I traveled to Frankfurt, Germany with my dad when I was 11 years old for my oldest cousin’s wedding.  My cousin, Yuanchao, met her husband, Chris, while at university in China.  He was in China studying Chinese, and through English they were able to communicate and fall in love.  Now, Yuanchao and Chris live in Germany and are both fluent in Chinese, German, and English; it’s crazy how language can bring people together.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y while doing online research and looking for immersion Mandarin and study abroad programs.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I was and continue to be very interested in Mandarin because I like Chinese culture. Also, I know that being able to speak Mandarin will be a big help in creating opportunities. It is my goal to become fluent.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I study Mandarin in high school and will continue to study Mandarin in college. Whatever college major or profession I choose it will definitely involve using my Mandarin language skills and, in some capacity, working with China.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I am not sure yet, but I really want Mandarin and Chinese culture to play a big role in whatever work I do. I am interested in business and medicine. I also am very interested in environmental issues, including U.S.-China collaboration on climate change.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
NSLI-Y allowed me to better understand Chinese culture and language. Last year I used my experience studying abroad and my improved language skills to found a Chinese Culture and Language Club at my school and to create my own Chinese culture and language summer camp. I want to continue to do things like these. In the future, I want to continue to help kids gain more opportunities to learn and have fun with Chinese language and culture.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
Participating in the NSLI-Y program helped me improve upon my Chinese language skills. NSLI-Y also gave me many opportunities to become a more independent learner. Studying in a foreign environment has made me more comfortable taking risks too.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
I really enjoyed living with the host family. The people in Suzhou were so kind and hospitable that, for me, it was more like a “host-community” experience. During my stay, I joined a local soccer team, made friends with the neighborhood shop keepers and familiarized myself with the entire neighborhood by bike and bus.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Before traveling to China, I was not familiar with Chinese family life and customs. I soon learned how close the family is, even cousins and grandparents, and how often they spend time with each other.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
枕头 (Zhentou)because it means “pillow” and sounds like “gentle.”

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I am on my school’s track and field team and participate in the long jump, high jump, triple jump events, as well as run the 400 meter race.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y through another intensive language program, the Federal Service Language Academy at University of North Georgia. A few alumni of that program had also been accepted into NSLI-Y and it was advertised on their website.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I am interested in studying Arabic because the culture of the Arab world fascinates me and it is a life-long dream of mine to help solve the Palestinian-Israeli Crisis.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I want to eventually receive a bachelors and master’s degree and work for the United States government, the United Nations, or an NGO.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I plan on using my skills in Arabic to help facilitate cross-cultural understanding between the United States and the Arab World. Hopefully, I will be able to use my language skills to help broker peace and solve issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli Crisis.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
My participation in this program allowed me to experience the wonderful culture of Morocco and study Arabic in an intense and engaging environment. As a result, I now have a more comprehensive understanding of Moroccan and Arab culture as well as the issues faced by these countries. I will be able to use my knowledge in my future career. My experience helped fuel my drive to make a difference in the Arab World.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience? During my time in Morocco I learned a lot about independence and the consequences of decisions, both good and bad. I had to take responsibility for my own actions and learn how to manage my time better.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
I loved the atmosphere of Morocco. Almost everyone I met was so kind and helpful and willing to be patient as I spoke to them in Arabic. My host family was so kind and helped my roommate and me with our homework. Overall, the people in Morocco made the experience even better because of how accepting they were of us.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned a lot about the problems Morocco was facing in relation to Africa, the Arab World and the West. I got an inside look into issues such as immigration and poverty that otherwise I would have only read about on the internet.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite phrase in Arabic is 'La shukran ala waajib.' It translates to ‘no thanks for a duty,’ however it is not a phrase that translates well into English. In Morocco, most use it instead of the Arabic word for “you’re welcome,” and it is meant to convey the idea that there is no need to thank me for something that I should do. I like the phrase much more than you’re welcome, especially for situations when you hold the door open for someone or help them. I find myself wanting to use it all the time, so hopefully ‘no thanks for a duty’ will catch on soon in the United States!

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
Before studying Arabic I studied many different languages, but never stuck with one (apart from French). I attempted to learn Latin, Italian, German, Spanish, Swedish, and Mandarin, but none of them ever really drew me in the way Arabic does. I love studying Arabic and I hope in the future that I will be able to consider myself fluent.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y by researching online on the Department of State’s exchange programs website.  Immediately, I was in love with the program, however I could not apply since I was not yet a citizen. Over that period, I maintained my connection with NSLI-Y by attending webinars, checking out the website and following NSLI-Y on social media. After I became a citizen in 2015, I applied for NSLI-Y.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
Arabic is a difficult language and not many American citizens are able to speak it. There are many misconceptions in my community that surround the rich Arab culture as well. I wanted to study Arabic to change this, connect with Arabic speakers and go beyond false impressions to learn about a culture and language different from my own.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
After high school, I will attend university and major in either international affairs or international business. I also want to achieve fluency in French and Arabic while at university and become an expert on the Middle East. As for my professional goals, I hope to work in the fields of diplomacy, government, or business.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I hope to use my skills of volunteering, like I am currently doing at refugee agencies by tutoring Arabic speakers. I would also like to return to Jordan or another Arab-speaking country as a university student to learn more about the region’s issues and eventually use these skills in my career or in my community, where there are many Arab speakers.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
My NSLI-Y experience was a turning point for me, as I became more aware of my future aspirations of studying International Relations and Business while also learning Arabic. I became more interested in studying abroad and learning more foreign languages. Meeting refugees in Jordan also inspired me to act in my hometown where I started a chapter of the Students Together Assisting Refugees club to raise more awareness and help local refugees. I hope to continue this in the future at university.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned more about Jordan’s history through my classroom, family and cultural excursions. After visiting The American Center of Oriental Research, I learned about the thriving Nabatean civilization and the lost city of Petra. Having the opportunity to visit some of these historical places and world wonders was amazing. I also learned more about the religious tolerance and great coexistence in Jordan after multiple visits to churches, mosques, and The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
I love the phrase “ أهلا وسهلا ” or “ahlan wa sahlan.” It reminds me of the times I spent with my host family in Jordan and it is a reminder of Jordanian hospitality. It means “welcome,” but literally it means “you've come to stay with family.” Every time I came home from school, from an after-school event or from an excursion, my host family always greeted me this way and they made me feel very welcomed. They always considered me as part of their family, just like I considered them. Even today that I am away from Jordan, I still connect with my host sisters, parents, grandparents and uncle through social media and Skype.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
Arabic is the fourth language that I am learning. I am a native Albanian speaker, fluent in English and now I am studying French in school and Arabic informally.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I became interested in Arabic in middle school when I started studying the current issues faced by the Arab world. I became aware of the extent to which these issues affect my generation and the many misconceptions of the regional culture. I felt and continue to feel that the best way to combat these misconceptions is to better understand the culture through learning the primary language of these regions.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I plan to use my language skills in my future profession, whether in journalism or working abroad in another field. The cultural skills I obtained from NSLI-Y will be useful in all endeavors regardless of my field of work by helping me to work more closely with all people.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
My participation in NSLI-Y Morocco has solidified my educational ambitions of studying Arabic. I gained confidence from my program and I am now determined to become fluent in Arabic.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part of studying in my host country was the relationship I created with my host family and friends from the program. I also fell in love with Moroccan food!

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your
NSLI-Y experience?
Prior to my time in Morocco I didn’t know that most Moroccans speak multiple languages. Morocco has several national languages and most people speak Darija, Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, and or English.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
A highlight of my NSLI-Y experience was the first time I was able to direct a cab in Arabic. I came into the program with a baseline knowledge of Arabic but had very little confidence while talking. After a week of classes I had to take a taxi alone to school and was very nervous about the language element. Luckily, a week of cultural immersion was just enough for me and after this experience I could direct a taxi, order coffee, or have a conversation with a local very easily.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite phrase from the Moroccan dialect of Arabic is “meshi mushkil”, which basically means “no problem” in English.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I love to cook! Part of my interest in traveling comes from my love of exploring new cultures through new foods.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y through an accidental Internet search - I was looking up language-learning techniques, and that led to searching for study abroad programs. NSLI-Y was the first option on the page.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I’m hoping to either work in a Neuroscience laboratory performing government research or work in the intelligence or diplomacy community. I will double-major in Neuroscience and Political Science/International Relations in college to fine-tune which direction I want to go.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
I always wanted to incorporate travel and languages into my career, but had no idea how I would do it. My NSLI-Y summer made me realize that I love the international relations world and politics too much to not include it in my future, and visiting the United Nations during my pre-departure orientation made me see a career there as a reality!

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
I gained an immense amount of linguistic and cultural knowledge about Russia, but I also gained a lot of other skills: I became a more confident speaker, a more outgoing person, and a significantly more socially conscious individual. We had to learn how to write the cursive alphabet in under a minute, so I can add that to my list of odd talents, too.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Russian teens don’t use the same social networks that we use in the U.S. on a regular basis; Snapchat and Facebook are used rather sparingly. They have their own social network named в “контакте,” or “In contact”, which they invited us to try. The layout is almost like Facebook, but with a lot more perks!

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
It’s hard to choose a favorite, but one of the most memorable words would be “почемучка,” which basically refers to a person who is extremely curious, and most importantly, asks insane amounts of questions.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I can speak Polish, English, and Spanish, while I have a working grasp of Russian and French. I’m currently working on German, Italian, and Chinese in my spare time!

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y from my high school Chinese teacher who had been a Resident Director for NSLI-Y.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I’ve always had an interest in languages, especially East Asian languages. I chose Korean because I thought it would be the hardest East Asian language for me to learn as a Thai-Chinese-American. Also as a result of my Chinese heritage I grew up speaking Cantonese and being able to understand Teochew and Mandarin so I wanted to see the similarities between Korean and the Chinese “dialects.”

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
As of now, I’m hoping to obtain a BA in Asian Studies with a focus on international affairs and a BS in Electrical Engineering. The prospect of becoming a Foreign Service Specialist appeals to me, but I would also be interested in managing an engineering organization in Asia or that has ties with Asia. I also plan on going to graduate school, however, I am not sure on which field yet. 

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
My favorite quote is Nelson Mandela’s, “if you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Thus, I plan on integrating language into my life no matter what I end up doing occupationally. I’ve seen how using just a phrase or two with someone who knows Korean, even if they’re Korean American and only speak it at home, allows me to make deeper and richer connections. However, my hope is that I find a job that will allow me to use Korean.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
Before I participated in NSLI-Y, I had a very simple and rigid outline for my future. I would graduate with a degree in international affairs and then go to graduate school whilst getting as many State Department related internships as I could and then ultimately becoming a Foreign Service Officer. However, NSLI-Y really opened my eyes. I wanted to become a Foreign Service Officer as though it was the only way to continue to learn languages while making a difference in the world, but through NSLI-Y, I came to understand that there are many ways I can weave language learning and cultural appreciation into bettering the world. Thus, while my dream job is still working for the State Department, NSLI-Y also sparked my interest in NGOs.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part was being able to interact with other students who also have a shared interest in learning other cultures and languages. Everyone on my program seemed to understand the important role we as U.S. citizens had in painting an image for the local people. Because of the people I was with, I was able to make the most out of my program, whether visiting tourist sites, eating at local spots, or spontaneously exploring a new area of Seoul.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
On my program we had “supporters,” college students who tutored groups of two or three of us.  I loved having friends that would take us to places we wouldn’t otherwise have gone. For example, my group was able to visit our supporter’s parent’s workplace and volunteer at an English center for children. They also helped us with Korean without overcorrecting. We created lasting connections with them. 

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite words are “누나” and “형” (noona and hyung) meaning “older sister” and “older brother” respectively, spoken from a male’s perspective. For me, it’s not the word itself, but the fact that you call people you aren’t related to “누나” and “형.” I feel like it’s a good representation of how in general East Asian society focuses on the collective rather than the individual.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
My high school Chinese teacher told me about NSLI-Y.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I wanted to learn Mandarin Chinese to prepare myself for a career in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized. Looking forward to my future, I plan to continue studying Mandarin in college and I hope that it will continue to open more doors for me as it already did.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I would like to major in Science, Technology, and Society and minor in Chinese. I would like to receive my B.A. degree and possibly an M.B.A. I would like a career that combines business, technology, and Mandarin Chinese language.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I would like to get a job that allows me to use my Chinese skills in the business and technology field.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
NSLI-Y allowed me to better my Mandarin skills so that I could use them in my near future and provided me with insight on China and life in China which may be useful if I work in China in the future. It also made me want to pursue a minor in Chinese in college.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
Not only did I learn Mandarin Chinese, but I also learned how to be independent, to navigate a city on my own, to adapt to a completely different academic culture and to be flexible.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
Every day was always a new adventure. New challenges and new opportunities would arise each day and I loved experiencing new things. While some may see the Chinese culture as having sudden changes of plans with short notice in a negative light, I see it as a way of testing your flexibility and patience.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Before my NSLI-Y experience, I was somewhat aware of the gap between the rich and poor that existed in China, but it did not truly hit me until I was on a bullet train from Hangzhou to Nanjing with my host family. The surroundings quickly changed from modern Hangzhou to rural China with mountains, rice paddies, and agricultural fields below us and then back to modern Nanjing. The stark contrast amazed me.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
One of my favorite parts of my NSLI-Y experience was living with a host family, and specifically my host brother. My host brother and I got along very well and we shared a common love for 生煎包 and 珍珠奶茶, pan fried dumplings and pearl milk tea respectively. Throughout the summer, we often bonded over lunches with these two items, and it amazed me how two teenagers from completely different sides of the world could bond and realize they are more similar than different.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
加油! In English, it translates to “refuel” or “add oil,” and this phrase is generally said as encouragement or support.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I was one of the first students at my school to study Mandarin Chinese. I was in the 7th grade when the program was piloted.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
A friend of mine gave me a pamphlet and recommended the program to me while I was researching other study abroad options for high school students.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
Considering China’s growing political and economic presence in the world, Mandarin seemed like the most logical and useful language for me to learn if I wanted a career in international affairs. The language and culture was also interesting to me because it was completely different from that of English and the U.S.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
Starting with a major in International Affairs in college, I plan on pursuing a career in the field of international relations and development. Positions to bridge cultural gaps, such as translation and interpretation, diplomacy, or international development are all of interest.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
This program really solidified the international career path that I want to pursue. Before, I was hesitant about a professional future in international affairs, but the NSLI- Y program showed to me the importance of intercultural communication and knowledge of another language.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
I gained so much confidence, independence, and trust in my cross- cultural communication skills. Small tasks like navigating the bus system or bargaining in another language really matured me into a more globally-minded person.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
All the teachers and TAs at the university we studied at were helpful and more than enthusiastic to help us learn Chinese. They made class really fun for all of us.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
My host father worked away from home so I only got to see him two or three times during the program. When I saw him for the last time towards the end of the program, he was so shocked to hear how my Chinese had improved from the first time we’d spoken. It was a small moment but it really made me proud at how far my language ability had come in a few, short weeks.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“加油”（Jai You). It’s a small phrase of encouragement similar to “you can do it” or “good luck,” but it literally means “put gas” or “refuel.” “休息” (Xiu Xi) means “rest” and was what we called our short breaks during class.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I’m originally from Kenya and was born in the capital, Nairobi. I’ve studied Spanish for four years and plan on travelling to Latin America someday to become fluent.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
My interest in Chinese came from my experience growing up in Korea. As an American expat from age 1 to 10 before returning to the United States, I grew up reading, writing and speaking the Korean language, whose linguistic roots can be found in Chinese. For example, even at my elementary school in South Korea, we had “한자” (Korean for Chinese characters) class, during which we memorized simple Chinese characters like “水” (Chinese for water) and “火” (Chinese for fire).

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I will be attending Stanford University next fall, where I plan to double major or major and minor in International Relations and East Asian Studies. After my undergraduate education, I hope to get a master's degree in business, law, or global affairs and later become a diplomat or Foreign Service Officer.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I plan to use my Chinese language and cultural skills in a variety of settings. Socially, I continue to communicate with friends I have made in China through NSLI-Y. Academically, I plan to extensively study Chinese at Stanford and take advantage of the many amazing Chinese-related programs and opportunities that Stanford offers, such as the Bing Overseas Studies Program in Beijing and the Global Internship Program. Whether I end up deciding to pursue a career in business, marketing, law or government, I know that I will be using my Chinese language and cultural skills because I know that cultivating the U.S.-China relationship will be an integral part of my career.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
Participating in NSLI-Y has significantly affected my life and future goals by strengthening my interest in international relations and motivating me to study Chinese in college. Additionally, because of my participation in NSLI-Y, I am seriously considering a career in government.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
During my NSLI-Y experience, I learned how to successfully overcome unexpected challenges. Traveling and studying abroad have an element of spontaneity, which taught me to move on my feet and solve problems in a quick, creative way.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned that some provinces in China have dialects that can be significantly different from standard Mandarin Chinese.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
One of my favorite parts of my NSLI-Y experience was exploring Deyang, my host city, with fellow NSLI-Y participants and the sweet, compassionate Chinese peer tutors that I had the opportunity of befriending in China.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“加油！” Literally meaning “to add fuel,” the phrase is used to express encouragement and support.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of travelling to over 20 countries!

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y through a friend who had studied abroad and knew NSLI-Y students. The program sounded like an amazing opportunity.  At that time, I was studying Chinese through a STARTALK program, and thought NSLI-Y would be a great way to advance my Chinese language skills even further.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language? 
The Chinese language is not only part of my heritage, but also one of the critical languages of the 21st century. I wanted to better connect with my heritage, and also be a leader internationally on U.S.-China relations.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I hope to become a health care information systems consultant. Next fall, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in health administration at the University of Iowa. I hope that I can help with world public health issues and may attend the U.S. Alumni Ties conference on public health in this year.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
Independence, critical thinking skills, and flexibility. These have come in handy during many circumstances in my adult life, and I am glad I had a chance to learn them at a young age while studying in Beijing.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
The food! My favorite would be Peking Duck.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
One of the highlights of my experience was when the President of China at the time, Hu Jin Tao, visited our class. I had the opportunity to shake his hand and even get on CCTV!

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
Ma2 fan1 麻烦 : “troublesome.” It’s a funny choice, but a common word used often to describe many different difficult situations. Successfully dealing with the Ma Fan is what life is all about.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I am a classical musician. I have been playing the cello since I was nine and am currently studying piano.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I was searching for study abroad videos on YouTube when I came across a series of videos done by a Korea summer alumna. Once I found out that there was a summer program that allowed me to learn a language abroad, I waited patiently until I was old enough to apply.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I became interested in the Korean language after becoming close to my Korean neighbor. She introduced the culture and language to me through interactions with her and her family during school activities, dinners, and church. I had always been interested in studying abroad. Ever since my friend introduced me to the Korean culture, I decided that my study abroad experience would be in Korea, and that I would get there with NSLI-Y.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
In the future, I am planning to major in International Relations with the goal of working as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department
of State, or in International Business. I will also be continuing my Korean language studies in the university, potentially with a minor in Korean.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
My participation in NSLI-Y acted as a motivation to pursue a career in international diplomacy or business. Participation in NSLI-Y has also helped me attain valuable life and cultural skills, such as open mindedness, confidence, independence, and communication skills that will help make achieving my future goals possible. NSLI-Y, being my first time out of the country, also sparked more interest for me to want to travel outside of the U.S. and learn more about what the world has to offer.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
Through my participation in NSLI-Y, I gained an immense amount of confidence in my communication skills and my overall ability to navigate foreign situations with ease. I also gained the ability to problem solve when certain disadvantages are present, such as a lack of communication abilities or knowledge of how a system works. The biggest skill developed during my program was my Korean language ability, which I will actively use in my future.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part about studying in South Korea was that I had the opportunity to create new relationships that crossed language barriers, such as with my host family and Korean friends, and of course relationships with
English speakers like my fellow NSLI-Y scholars and resident directors.  I was able to make my relationships more meaningful as the time went by and my Korean language skills improved. I still communicate with these friends and my host family on a regular basis.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Before NSLI-Y, I never could have imagined how inviting the Korean people would be. Every time I met someone new, and they discovered what I was doing in Korea, they never failed to encourage me to try my hardest, and most of the time they even offered to help me in my endeavors. I was able to start a conversation in Korean with basically anyone and they were all eager to help me practice and even thanked me for trying hard to learn about their culture and country. The Korean people I met also always tried to inform me about their culture and invite me to partake in it.

10. What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite Korean word is “모범생” (Model Student). This word found a special place in my heart after my host mom told me how proud she was of seeing how hard I was studying the first couple of days of the program. She told me that I truly was a “모범생” and that she was surprised to see me working so diligently. This word was then used as motivation by my closest friends after I told them the meaning behind the word. We told our Korean teachers every day that we would strive to be the best model students in the class! My Korean supporter also encouraged me during our meetings with this word. I strive to be a “모범생” as I am very goal-oriented, and the word is also attached to so many of the wonderful memories I had in Seoul.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y through my high school Arabic teacher. I went to an International Baccalaureate school, so my school always encouraged students to apply for NSLI-Y. I applied and I’ve never looked back!

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
When I started high school in
2011, the Arab Spring movement was just beginning. I elected to take Arabic at my high school because I wanted to understand the historic change that was taking place in the Middle East and North Africa.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
After graduating from UNC, I would like to pursue a graduate degree in security studies. Eventually, I would love to work for the government using my Arabic skills.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
My NSLI-Y experience profoundly shaped my future goals. My time with NSLI-Y reaffirmed my desire to study Arabic, while also piquing my interest in government service. NSLI-Y was the most formative experience of my high school years. I am still so humbled and grateful to have been able to participate.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part of studying in Morocco was meeting so many incredible people. My host family played an integral role in showing me what Morocco was really like – introducing me to their family and friends, helping my language skills, and including me in their plans.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Something that really stood out to me was the importance of family in Moroccan culture. I really enjoyed seeing how the value of family shaped everyday life in Morocco. Coming from a culture that emphasizes independence, it was very eye-opening to see more of a family culture.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
Through NSLI-Y, I had the privilege of studying in Morocco during Ramadan, the holy Muslim month of fasting. Being able to observe Ramadan with my host family was an incredible experience that gave me valuable insight into religion and culture in Morocco.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite Arabic phrase that I learned in Morocco is “mashi mushkil,” which means “no worries.” I probably say it too much back at home, but “mashi mushkil!”

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
In college, I’ve also started taking Persian. Sometimes it gets a little confusing studying both Arabic and Persian, because they share a very similar alphabet!

How did you learn about NSLI-Y? I learned about NSLI-Y through a student from my former high school who studied Turkish with NSLI-Y.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language? I was interested in studying my NSLI-Y target language because Tajiki seemed like a unique and intriguing language. The Tajiki alphabet utilizes the Cyrillic script and also has a great Arabic influence. I have always wanted to understand more Arabic, while learning something new as I can only read and write in Arabic. Since I was already familiar with the Arabic script, I decided to choose Tajiki because it provided the perfect opportunity to learn some Arabic loanwords, while learning a new language and script.

What are your educational and/or professional goals? I would like to become a neurologist and/or researcher.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future? I would like to use my target language to treat patients in underdeveloped countries. By learning Persian, it allows me to understand Bengali holistically since Bengali has a great Persian influence. I am proficient in Bengali and understand the loan words from Persian. My dream is to open free clinics in Bangladesh for severely economically disadvantaged people. If I pursue neurology, I would anticipate using Persian to speak to patients. Additionally, learning the Cyrillic script will assist me in learning Russian.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country? My favorite part was talking to local Tajiks in Tajiki and living in a household where I only communicated in Tajiki. I also enjoyed meeting new friends, and travelling different places, particularly Norak Dam, which had a cabin in the middle of the water surrounded by the mountains.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your
NSLI-Y experience? I learned that the Silk Road ran through Tajikistan and a city we travelled to, Panjikent, was a famous city along the Silk Road. I also learned that bread is considered sacred in Tajikistan, and if bread touches the ground, Tajiks kiss the bread as they pick the bread up. When I was in Tajikistan, my host family always served bread and tea with every meal. Tea is served in small bowls called “peolas”. Tajikistan also has one of the very few Ismaili Centers that are located around the world. I learned that Ismaili is a sect of Shiism in Islam.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English? My
favorite phrase was something my program director said, “ба шумо лозим об ва хоб кай бемор будед,” which means “you need water and sleep when you are sick.” This resonated with me because when I was sick once during the program, sleep and water really assisted me in my recovery process. My other favorite phrase is “Як мавизро чил қаландар хӯрдааст,” which is a proverb that means “being selfless is good.”

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning. I created a fashion mobile application called Moda during the summer, and I am in the process of modifying it, and I hopefully will launch it on the app store. I am proficient in Bengali and English, intermediate in Spanish and Tajiki, and beginner with Arabic.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I read about NSLI-Y in my high school’s scholarship bulletin the day before the application was due. I’m glad I applied!.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I plan to complete the Russian Flagship program at UCLA and in Kazakhstan researching local environmental and agricultural policy in Eurasia and its impact on climate change and sustainable development of the region. After taking a few gap years hopefully working with the USDA or USAID, I want to go on to earn a Master’s in Environmental Science and a PhD in political science. Ultimately, I would like to become an associate professor at a university and do consulting work for USDA, USAID, the World Bank and/or the UN.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
Living in Moldova completely shaped my professional aspirations and my worldview. It made me want to focus more on international development as an international relations tool rather than international relations as a political tool. Also, through NSLI-Y I realized the importance of knowing the local language, particularly for the development of low and middle income countries. I learned that the concept of “I can get by with just English” is a myth!

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
There are too many to list! The language experience of course, but also confidence even while failing and being completely embarrassed by lack of cultural understanding. Research skills from the final research project and essay that we had to write on Moldova. And patience, since learning a language is a process that isn’t going to happen overnight.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
The teachers! They were originally terrifying to me, as the teaching style in Moldova is very different from in the United States. But over time, we bonded over our mutual love of Anna Akhmatova and weird senses of humor. One of the hardest parts about leaving Moldova was knowing that I wouldn’t be seeing my teachers every day.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I knew where Moldova was on a map prior to finding out that I was selected. Once I did learn that I was going to Moldova, I “learned” a lot over the internet, most of which being one sided and negative. After living in Moldova for nine months, I gained a more nuanced and positive perspective on the country and the culture, beyond the facts and figures that can be found on the internet.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
I loved my final project for the year. I focused on the cemeteries of Chisinau, particularly the Jewish Cemetery. I learned so much by talking to people, visiting the cemeteries and participating in родительский день festivities, which is similar to Day of the Dead.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I volunteer for the Forest Service, so I have many random skills. One of which is that I know how to noose a lizard! (The lizard is not harmed in the process.)

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
Russian was historical, it was intriguing. Within Russian lies a hidden beauty, beneath the guttural sounds and rough intonations, behind the stereotypes and the fast pace. Within Russian lies the culture of a people and the history of a nation.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
With a keen desire to experience other cultures, and an intense passion for social justice, my educational goals lie in studying Political Science and Global Affairs, while double minoring in Slavic Languages and Literature and Chinese. After graduating from university, I hope to work for two years in a European or Southern Asian refugee camp before moving on to South America to work with various non-profits aiding migrant workers, with the ultimate goal of being appointed as a United States ambassador to Moldova.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
I knew, from my very first night in Moldova, that my career path would now lead me to Chisinau. I now have the goal of being the United States ambassador to Moldova, in which I plan to, through public policy, work to improve the conditions of those less fortunate.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
In addition to studying at one of the best schools in Moldova, Chisinau offered me an unprecedented amount of language practice in the form of the Central Market. Easily my favorite spot in Chisinau, courtesy of its abundance of fruit and hectic, lively nature, a trip to the Central Market became part of my daily routine. I made the trek every day in order to improve my bargaining, and perfect my conversational Russian skills. The Chisinau Central Market allowed me to apply what I learned in class in a real-world, practical situation, forcing me to sharpen my ear and quicken my reflexes, in order to keep up with the fast-paced attitude assumed by many of the vendors.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Perhaps one of the most interesting facts that I learned this past summer in Moldova revolved around the hobbies of Moldovan teenagers, which include watching YouTube videos, going to McDonalds, and making the trek to one of Chisinau’s main parks in order to watch soccer.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“отлично,” is my absolute favorite word in Russia, due to the meaning that it conveys. In a country that values honesty and frankness, meaningless compliments and sugar-coated words are few and far between and, having never studied Russian extensively before NSLI-Y, praise was sparse. However, when my teachers took notice of the progress that I was making or the work that I was putting into a certain assignment, and responded with the aforementioned phrase, my heart would swell with pride, because I knew that this compliment was real, that I had earned it through my dedication and persistence.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
Before Facebook and social media were as popular as they are today, I heard about NSLI-Y on an online forum for international exchange participants.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
Persian opens the door to the cultures of Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. I was interested in learning more about these countries since they are less accessible for Americans, whether because of diplomatic reasons, or because they are more difficult to get to.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I hope to continue learning about topics like resiliency and sustainability. Eventually I hope to work in program management for international development projects, particularly in regard to international agriculture or land and water management.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I would be excited to work on agricultural development projects in Afghanistan or water resource management projects in Tajikistan if I had the opportunity.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your future and life goals?
Participating in NSLI-Y helped broadened my perspective of other ways of living that has helped me become more resilient and open minded.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
My NSLI-Y experience helped me further develop my problem solving and communication skills.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
Tajikistan was totally different from any place I had ever been. With traditional Persian and Turkic influence and more modern Russian and Chinese influence, Tajikistan showcases mixes of culture and tradition that I had never conceived of before.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I knew hardly anything about Tajikistan and Tajik culture prior to my experience. I particularly enjoyed learning about the history of Tajikistan, the Persian language, and other Persian speaking countries. This helped give me perspective on Central Asia and how Tajikistan fits into the region.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
I lived with a fairly secular Muslim family of 6 members. It was interesting to see how they practiced Islam in a Tajik context. It was also interesting to see how my host mother, who had been educated under the Soviet Union, needed to adapt her training and practice as a doctor to meet the changing needs of an independent Tajikistan.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
Ғавғо “ghavgho” means noise. Very onomatopoetic.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I worked at the 2015 World Expo in Milan, Italy. I helped visitors learn about American actions to achieve global food security in English, Italian, and sometimes even Portuguese. In this position, I was privileged to help lead a tour for then First Lady Michelle Obama.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I actually discovered the program through an Instagram post. One of my fellow Alumni Representatives, Paula Zhang, appeared in my explore feed. I’m not sure what triggered the Instagram algorithm to lead me to her, but by some stroke of luck, I was able to become a part of one of the most vibrant and passionate groups of young people that I will ever meet.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
Through previous language self-study, I had already learned to read and write the Korean script, 한글, after reading about its amazing simplicity online. My interest, however, was never limited to the language. As a teenager from a small suburb, I had always been fascinated by the complexity and energy of urban centers. I loved public transit, and was very interested in the ways that other countries utilized public transportation. The South Korean city of Songdo interested me in particular due to its issues with regard to its proximity to Seoul, the industrial and cultural heart of the country. I was interested in the relationship and dynamic between the geography and location of a city and its relative success, and when I found out that a NSLI-Y program was being offered there, I knew that I had to try to see it for myself.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I have always known that I wanted to work with people. Through NSLI-Y, I reinvigorated my passion for learning languages and making these sorts of connections. I plan to attend college for a double major in International Relations and German or Korean, with a focus on integrated sciences. I hope to work alongside engineers, designers, and policymakers in the future in an attempt to integrate international regulations into cutting edge projects in Korean, German, and American urban centers.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
In addition to my professional aspirations as described above, I can’t wait to use my skills in the future in order to connect with ordinary people. In putting myself out there and learning a new language, I broke down an enormous language barrier. 80 million Korean language speakers, who I previously would have had no way of interacting with, are now my friends, teachers, and mentors. It is amazing to have a home away from home, and to be able to connect with millions more people now, even outside of a professional context.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
As one might expect, language skills were not the only traits that I acquired during my weeks in Korea. During the program, participants like myself are inevitably faced with challenges that require strong critical thinking skills. I developed strong problem solving skills. Due to the strictness of the South Korean schedule, I learned punctuality. I learned how to keep track of my budget. I knew that my time abroad was a limited commodity. Upon my return home, I learned to value the time I am given, whether it be a trip abroad, my younger years, or my life as a whole.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
The highlight of my trip was our weekend excursion to a Buddhist monastery. My fellow participants and I spent a weekend eating, sleeping, and living among Buddhist monks, waking up before sunrise to attend ceremonies, learning the ways of the particular religion, and speaking with the monks about why they chose their particular lifestyle. From the perspective of a foreigner, it will forever mystify me the way that the fog drifts through the Korean mountains in the morning. The food was amazing, the culture was rich, the people were warm, and at the end of the day, in addition to my exhaustion, I felt an immense sense of self-fulfillment.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite target language phrase is “메롱” (pronounced may-rohng). This phrase is a way that younger children tease each other, much like the “nah nah nah poo poo” that you may have heard in the States. It holds special significance to me, as I would often visit the summer bible school of my host family’s church on Sundays. I was a celebrity among the children, who didn’t get to see foreigners up close very often. We would play games together, which is where I picked up this particular phrase, and the fact that I was able to make them smile despite the barrier that stood between us was incredibly rewarding.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I found out about NSLI-Y at a counselor meeting with the Assistant Director of the Arabic Flagship Program (AFP) at the University of Texas during my freshman year of high school. I applied in my sophomore year, and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
As a Hindi speaker and a student of Spanish and French, I became intrigued by the influence of Arabic on the languages I speak. Since the beginning of high school, I have been an active volunteer with refugees, and I have always noted the very prevalent language barrier between myself and the Arabic speakers I was working with.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I would like to study International Relations and Political Science in the future, in addition to Middle Eastern Languages. Specifically, I am very interested in the University of Texas’ Arabic Flagship Program. In the future, I would like to work in a field involving political diplomacy, possibly in American foreign affairs or the United Nations.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I currently tutor refugee children in my community, and I can already see the fruits of my Arabic studies; increased knowledge in the language would help me better assist refugees and immigrants as they make the difficult transition to a new life. I would like to pursue Arabic to a level of fluency, and then use it to aid American foreign relations with the Arab world.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
My NSLI-Y experience made me flexible and resilient. In Jordan, plans are made with the phrase “Inshallah” or “God willing.” Our bus, scheduled to arrive at 8:00 am, was just as likely to come at 8:50, and plans were likely to change unexpectedly. I learnt to take things in a stride, a life skill that serves me well today. In addition, studying abroad made me a better communicator. It was more than often that I was short of vocabulary or at a loss of words; being a beginner in Arabic meant that I had to learn how to express myself well, even if my phrases were disjointed and childish at first.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part of studying in Jordan was the host family experience. Living with a family with four children all under the age of nine meant that I was never alone. Sharing a roof with a Jordanian family meant that I was a community member and not a guest; I was immersed in a new way of life and was able to witness the culture first-hand. I still communicate with my host family members on a very regular basis.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
One of the most important highlights of my NSLI-Y was my time spent at our Arabic language school, Qasid. Learning Arabic at Qasid gave me a new perspective on how engaging classroom learning could be. In addition to following a challenging curriculum, our teachers tailored our lessons, teaching us about how to bargain or how to cook Arab delicacies. They would spend time answering our questions about religion and culture, and would motivate us to study harder through the use of games and activities.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
One of my favorite words in Jordanian Arabic is “هﻮﯾا”, pronounced “ay-wah”. While in some dialects of Arabic, it means something as simple as “yes” or “yeah”, in Jordan, the word holds great cultural nuance and evokes fond memories. Translated loosely to “That’s right!” or “Exactly!, my host parents would use the word when I wrote something correctly, or guessed the correct word. Aside from having a nice ring to it, “هﻮﯾا” is an expression of enthusiasm, encouragement, and motivation.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I speak Hindi/Urdu, Spanish, French, and am learning Arabic. My favorite way to immerse myself in foreign languages is through music, and I pride myself for my international music choice, ranging from Spanish, French, and Persian rap, to Arabic pop and Bollywood.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y through a friend who previously studied Russian with NSLI-Y. I immediately applied for the program once the application opened!

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
In fact, I originally applied to study Turkish with NSLIY because I wanted to learn my dad’s native language. However, due to security reasons NSLI-Y canceled the Turkish program that summer and offered me the opportunity to study my second NSLI-Y target language I chose, Arabic! Although Arabic was not originally my choice, I was excited to have the opportunity to learn more about a culture and language that I was not already familiar with.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I am currently a student majoring in International Relations and Global Studies at The University of Texas in Austin. After earning my undergraduate degree, I plan to continue my education by earning my Masters in Public Affairs. As for my professional goals, I hope to enter a career in refugee aid.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I currently volunteer with local refugee and asylee aid organizations in the Austin, TX area, where I work with native Arabic speakers. I plan to continue volunteering and improving my language skills throughout my education at The University of Texas. After graduation I hope to move to a country in the Arab World to work for a nonprofit, where I can utilize Arabic and the cultural skills I learned during NSLI-Y.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
I have always had an interest in perusing a future career in international affairs, but traveling to Jordan and participating in NSLI-Y truly solidified my feelings. Once I returned home after NSLI-Y, I continued to study Arabic at The University of Texas, where I just finished my third semester of Intensive Arabic. Additionally, meeting with refugees in Jordan encouraged me to continue in my field of education and work towards refugee aid.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
My favorite part about studying in my host country was being in class with my encouraging teachers! Some teachers in our lifetime make an impact on our souls and lives and I can truly say my Arabic teachers have left that imprint on me. Never have a met such encouraging, intelligent, motivated, and silly women in my life!

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite Arabic phrase is “ أن شا الل” or “inshallah”. It translates to “God willing” or “if God wills”. In Arabic, this word is commonly used in every-day situations to refer to events that can hopefully happen. I even find myself saying this phrase in conversations with my English-speaking friends and family when I am hopeful about something in the future. Not only do I love saying this word, but I also love the positivity it carries!

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I am a half-Turkish and half-Hmong first generation student! After participating in NSLI-Y, I created a video to share my amazing experience available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4nBT_MSOmw.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
Like many other NSLI-Y students, I discovered NSLI-Y through an internet search for study abroad programs. When I first discovered the program as a freshman in high school, I was still too young to apply! I eagerly waited until the next academic year to apply, and, although I was not selected, I reapplied again as a junior and was selected as a finalist.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I grew up in a bilingual household, speaking Mandarin Chinese with my Taiwanese mother and English with my Korean father. As I became older, I began craving a connection to this other half of my heritage that I had yet to explore, and I thus started studying Korean because I realized that language and culture are truly inseparable entities. My mother worked in foreign language education for 7 years, and she instilled in me a passion for language learning that translated to an intense curiosity about our fellow global citizens.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
My current plans include studying international relations and public policy and then attending law school. My professional goals are currently split between pursuing international law or globally-focused nonprofit work, but I’m keeping a very open mind about careers that will enable me to apply and gain cultural skills!

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
In the more immediate future, I hope to focus on the East Asian region in my studies of international relations, and my Korean language and cultural skills will be invaluable in this endeavor.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
My NSLI-Y experience of course enhanced my Korean communication skills. However, more importantly, my NSLI-Y experience equipped me with tools to impact my community. These tools manifested in not only soft skills, like adaptability and communication, but also an augmented passion for bringing together diverse groups and cultures.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
Each day, I sought a new adventure, big or small, to learn more about Korean culture, and studying in South Korea itself enabled me to explore so many facets of the culture and language. My favorite part about studying in my host country was the opportunities to visit many cultural and historical sites and truly contextualize my language studies, and I found myself in perpetual awe of and always learning from my surroundings.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
My NSLI-Y experience forced me to challenge any preconceived notions I carried about Korean culture, and I bore witness to the realities of cultural complexities and nuances for which I gained a greater appreciation. I was perhaps most intrigued by opinions I heard regarding issues of international security and politics, particularly as the Korean peninsula is a region of critical importance in current events. Prior to my NSLI-Y experience, I had no knowledge of the thoughts of those actually living through the issues discussed in Western media back home, and it was truly eye-opening to hear firsthand various contrasting opinions.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
I love the word 눈치, and it’s one of those words that simply cannot be fully translated because it has such a deeply-rooted cultural connotation. The word has to do with a sense of awareness or attunement to the emotional states of one’s surroundings, but its meaning in Korean simply carries a weight that is unable to be adequately communicated in its translation.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
I speak four languages (English, Mandarin, French, and Korean), and I intend to study many more, including other critical languages like Russian and Arabic! My experiences with studying various languages and cultures have spurred me to examine the cultural influences that shape the lenses with which we each respectively examine the world, and I explore this subject through my blog, The Culture Lens (www.theculturelens.com).

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
A friend in my town just returned from China after participating in the 2015 Summer NSLI-Y program. I had been taking Mandarin in school and was very impressed with his grasp of Mandarin as a result of his participation in NSLI-Y. It convinced me that an immersive environment is the best way to really master Mandarin and I was keen to apply to the program.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I had been studying Mandarin for three academic years when I applied to the 2016 NSLI-Y summer program. The opportunity to learn Mandarin in an immersive fashion for six weeks with a host family was really compelling.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
Before going on this life-changing program, I was primarily interested only in STEM job opportunities. However, I am now definitely interested in pursuing computational linguistics in college as a major.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I started Mandarin classes for elementary and middle school children in a local library where, together with another volunteer, we taught the basics of Mandarin language including the basics of the script, tones, culture etc. I would like to expose Chinese language and culture to more children to pique their interest and encourage them to learn a different language and culture. I would also like to use my language skills to translate problems and papers in mathematics.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
NSLI-Y changed my perspective on the world and gave me another set of lens with which to see the world. For six weeks, I became so accustomed and assimilated into the culture and tradition of my host country that I felt like I had grown up there. It also opened up my eyes to various career options.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
I really liked the fact that I could constantly improve my Mandarin speaking skills whether at the language school during classes, or at home with my host family conversing with my host brother or with my classmates who also sought to improve their speaking skills. At the end of the trip, when someone asked me a question, my first instinct was to respond in Mandarin – it became an integral part of my personality.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I had always believed that the only religions practiced in China were Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. I had to change my opinion when we visited Quanzhou as part of a cultural trip. Medieval Quanzhou was one of the most cosmopolitan Chinese cities with Hindu temples, Islamic mosques and Christian churches, which included a cathedral and two Franciscan monasteries.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
The one memory that comes to mind about my NSLI-Y experience is my host family taking me out to the only Indian restaurant in the entire city, because I am of Indian ethnic origin. This really demonstrated the hospitality of my host parents and visiting the restaurant as a family was a great example of the fusion of cultures and traditions, and really made me feel at home. While I had many memorable experiences in my host country, this tops the list.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
Tuoxie (拖鞋), is the Chinese word for slippers (flip-flops), and this was a special word for me because my host parents gave me very nice and comfortable slippers to wear around the house. The family let me keep them when I left, and I still wear them to this day to remember their kindness and generosity towards me.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Boston holds an annual Chinese Bridge Speech contest for U.S. High School students. This is the most prestigious and well recognized Chinese speech contest for high school students in the US. I competed in this contest and made it as far as the semi-finals; my speech was based on my NSLI-Y experience in Xiamen, China.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I heard about NSLI-Y at a presentation in my city, and researched the program online immediately afterwards. I was so excited about the opportunity to study a language intensively through cultural immersion alongside motivated peers, and the actual experience met and exceeded these hopes!

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
I was very curious about Chinese culture and history, motivated as I am with every language by a desire to communicate with more people and understand a culture in more depth. I felt that speaking Mandarin would help me understand Chinese culture and engage with Chinese people more easily. Given my love for music and art, I was also excited about the challenge of mastering tones and learning thousands of characters.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I’m interested in majoring in anthropology, linguistics, or international relations. I’d love to work as a diplomat, anthropologist, or for a nonprofit with an international focus.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I would like to use my language skills to promote cross-cultural communication and exchange. I want to meet and talk with as many different people as I can, and immerse myself in different cultural environments to better understand the world. I hope to apply this understanding towards catalyzing positive change through increasing access to education or bridging historic divides.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
NSLI-Y was an incredibly impactful experience for me because it allowed me to immerse myself in Chinese language and culture, and to meet other peers who are also excited about language-learning and eager to explore different cultures. After living in China with a host family, I have a very different perspective on China, and I understand the country, language, and culture in a much more layered way than before. The program also introduced me to an alumni association of curious, motivated, and generous people who are doing interesting things and love language-learning and connecting across cultures.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned how to study not only at my desk through memorizing vocab and grammar, but also through venturing into the world to practice with my host siblings, or at the open market. I also learned to lean into discomfort, because when I’m in over my head with new learning is often where I can grow the most. I also became more comfortable engaging with opinions and perspectives different from my own, and have since taken initiative to seek out these diverse views.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
I loved my host family, and my interest in talking with them about a range of subjects motivated me to learn the language and fully devote myself to the classwork.

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
Before, I didn’t realize just how diverse China is in terms of urban/rural living, socioeconomic status, and ethnic minority groups. My visit to the Tibetan plateau with my host family offered perspective on a very distinct culture, and a written script that to me resembled Hindi more than Mandarin. This, along with visits to see family in rural areas, showed me just how many diverse cultures and experiences exist within China.

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
One highlight of my experience was my final dinner in Deyang. My Mandarin was at its best so I could finally talk with my host family more in-depth about my life in the US. After immersing myself in their daily life for six weeks, I could compare my lifestyle to theirs and explain my experiences while taking into account their cultural perspective.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I learned about NSLI-Y through an advisor for a club at my high school. She had a student several years ago who went on a NSLI-Y program to Kirov, Russia and thought that I would be a good candidate.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
When I was younger, there was a Russian church that met in my church building. I always thought the sound of the language was beautiful. As I entered into high school, I wanted to learn a new language in addition to Spanish. Given the current political situation, I figured Russian would be quite useful in my future career in Foreign Service.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
In college, I want to major in both International Affairs/Studies and Eastern European Studies. I hope to also become fluent in Turkish while in college. I one day hope to work for the U.S. government in the field of Foreign Service. I plan to use both of these languages together to focus on Russian and Central Asian relations.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
I hope to work for the government in the field of Foreign Service after college. I plan to use my knowledge of Russian to focus not only on our relations with Russia, but other Post-Soviet countries. I also hope that my knowledge of Russian and Eastern European culture will help me when interacting with other Americans. Many Americans often have misconceptions about Eastern Europeans. With my knowledge of Eastern European culture, I hope to change their impression of Eastern Europe and teach others about the rich history of the region.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
I believe the most important skill I learned was navigating public transportation. Growing up and living in Dallas, I never really experienced public transit due to the urban sprawl of the Dallas Metroplex. I also learned to be independent and flexible in stressful situations!

What did you learn about your host country or culture that you didn’t know before your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned about the rich history of Moldova! Before I went, I knew about as much as you could find on a quick Google search. I quickly learned that Moldova’s history spanned centuries and was at one point, one of the richer and more powerful European countries under Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great), the founder of Moldova. His statues and pictures can be found everywhere, even on the lei (Moldovan currency). We even learned that Christopher Columbus approached the Moldavian Empire and Stefan cel Mare to ask for funding for his expedition to the West Indies!

Please share a short highlight about your NSLI-Y experience.
I think the most memorable moment was one of my last nights in Moldova. My host mother’s best friend was visiting before she moved to Moscow to be with her husband. We sat there in the kitchen for a good hour and had a conversation about Texas and my home. At the end of the conversation, my host mother commented on how good my Russian was. Until that moment, I had not realized how accustomed I had become to speaking Russian.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
In addition to Russian, I also speak Spanish. My NSLI-Y group arrived back in the U.S. about 2 weeks before school started, and with band camp, I had no time to brush up on my Spanish. On my first day of class, my friend counted and instead of saying “Si”, I said “Да” about fifteen times. I still laugh about that moment, and every time, it reminds me of my amazing NSLI-Y experience!

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
A friend from high school participated in the program and encouraged me to apply.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
Arabic is an underrepresented and under taught language in America, so I wanted to take the chance to pursue something I would normally not have the opportunity to do. Because of all the misunderstandings and stereotypes we live with, I thought it was important to learn Arabic because that is the first step in solving global issues and building relationships.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
While I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, I stopped seeing the medical field from a purely scientific point of view. I had a newfound interest in politics, international relations, and education, which I realized were all applicable to my career. I changed my major from genetics to public health to learn how to apply those concepts to move away from being a general practitioner to someone who creates comprehensive health solutions for a global community.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
The doctor-patient language barrier is one of the biggest problems in the medical field as it leads to miscommunication and mistrust. I want to use my language skills to build and improve relationships with patients and professionals in the field when I’m treating or conducting research abroad.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
Becoming more open-minded and curious was one of the biggest takeaways from the program. Being surrounded by intelligent, experienced, and highly-motivated individuals, whether it be my peers, my professors, or my host family, inspired me to be the best version of myself I could be. Now, I always push myself to step outside my comfort zone, actively learn about the world around us, and challenge the viewpoints I have always accepted.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
Living with a host family was such a special experience. My sweet host-mom and dad treated me like their own daughter and were so hospitable. “Mama” always pulled out the family recipes and made the most amazing meals from couscous to tagine to msimin to make sure I was never hungry. “Baba” would always come home from work with stories of his life to share, but not before spending time helping me with my Arabic homework. My lovely host sister became one of my best friends and made sure I was never bored. From taking me to the best cafes and stores to inviting to break the fast during Ramadan at the beach with her friends, she made every minute of the day memorable. My host family’s extended family became a huge part of my experience as well, and I am still in touch with everyone. Many people feel homesick on their trips, but I never did because I found another home in my family.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
My favorite word is “raqs,” which means dance. I have been learning Indian classical dance since I was five years old, so being to share my passion and identity with my new friends and family was very special.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
My parents are from India, so I picked up Hindi growing up. I also learned Spanish for 7 years, so Arabic is my fourth language. I’m continuing my Arabic studies in college as a minor, and I can’t wait to see what language is up next!

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I searched for scholarship opportunities to study abroad to learn Mandarin.

Why were you interested in studying your NSLI-Y target language?
Growing up with extended family that speaks 4-5 languages, I have always known that I wanted to be able to do the same because I would see how my family was able to connect with such a wide range of people. Having studied Mandarin before and having an interest in foreign affairs, I was also excited to learn the language because of its applicability to my future career.

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
I’m interested in studying economics and international affairs in order to bridge the gap between our country’s policies and what goes on abroad.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
Whether it’s socially, academically, or in a business setting, I’m 100% sure that Mandarin has a place in my future. Since I’m able to speak Mandarin, I’ve been able to connect with many other people around me who also speak Mandarin in terms of both culture and language. I’ve even found opportunity to use it when I was volunteering at the UN! Furthermore, I plan on continuing to study Chinese in college through further study abroad and classes, so that in the future, I’ll attain a level of proficiency that I could use in a career in government.

How did participation in NSLI-Y affect your life and future goals?
Participation in NSLI-Y completely changed my life. While I once thought that the boundaries of my suburban hometown were the boundaries of what I could do as a teenager, being surrounded by the people I’ve met through NSLI-Y has shown me just what youth can do. Since then, my mindset and goals have completely changed: I think bigger, and I can directly attribute that to my experiences with NSLI-Y.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
There’s a term called “code-switching” that I think encapsulates the NSLI-Y experience. Being Asian-American in an Asian country, knowing when to use which language is something important that I learned while in China.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
I loved being able to explore a completely foreign city, and seeing how one’s way of life differed as a result of their culture on the other side of the world. At the same time, it was interesting to see how both China and the U.S. had some things in common.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“哎呀,” a phrase that typically expresses exasperation, is broadly applicable to a lot of situations. Spilled your tea? 哎呀！Used the wrong tone when speaking Chinese? 哎呀！It’s universal!

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
One issue that is important to me is youth leadership and activism; that’s why I founded the Young Asian Leaders of America.

How did you learn about NSLI-Y?
I heard about the program through one of my friends at school who applied and got accepted to the Russian program!

What are your educational and/or professional goals?
After graduation I plan to work in international education, so I can make programs like NSLI-Y available and accessible to students all around the world and get to know more motivated State Department exchange students! Then, I will attend graduate school for International Relations. Ultimately, I’d like a career as a diplomat in the Foreign Service.

How do you plan to use your target language and cultural skills in the future?
Key skills to have for maximum impact in the international education and diplomacy spheres are linguistic abilities, intercultural communication, and empathy. My NSLI-Y program helped develop in me these skills. I was particularly interested in learning Korean for its connections to mental health and to North Korean human rights, and I’m finally getting to a level of Korean where I can start discussing some of these issues.

What skills did you gain during your NSLI-Y experience?
I learned how to problem solve independently but also to ask for help when I needed it. These have proven to be immensely useful skills as I navigate college life in a major city and studies abroad. I know how to rely on myself, but I am not afraid to reach out to others when I need to.

What was your favorite part about studying in your host country?
I love the mix of old and new in Korea. The country is constantly setting trends in pop culture, beauty, fashion, and technology, but it has a rich cultural heritage that is accessible.

What is your favorite target language word or phrase, and what does it mean in English?
“산 넘어 산” – “After one mountain comes another.” The phrase is about how challenges are never-ending, but I like to see it as opportunities are never-ending, as challenges are what present some of our greatest opportunities and growth. The climb up is difficult, but viewing the world from the peak is empowering.

Share one interesting factoid about yourself, your personal background, or your language learning.
When I was 10, a series about a teenage spy first sparked in me an interest in learning languages to serve people and my country – I now speak varying levels of 9 languages, and I certainly try my best to use them in the service of others and of the U.S.