Incredible IPSE

So if you are hoping to become a YES Abroad student, you will have to attend the IPSE, or In Person Selection Event.  This was one of my favorite parts of the YES Abroad process, and I really think YES has done something right by having an interview event with all the semifinalists together for a weekend.  It really allows you to meet new people and spend time learning about the program and the countries. 
I flew from Nashville to Washington D.C. on a Friday afternoon, and was picked up at the airport by YES Abroad staff and other semifinalists who were in the airport at the same time as me.  We were driven to the 4-H Center in Chevy Chase Maryland, which was like a mini college campus and absolutely gorgeous.  We then listened to a welcome speech given by several YES staff and guests, and then had dinner.  Friday evening was spent hanging out in the game room and various lounges found all over the campus. 
Saturday was the busiest day.  In the morning I participated in a workshop about "My Life as an American," and then had my first group evaluation.  I expected it to be very stressful but it definitely was not!  We did a teamwork-building exercise while being evaluated (and made the best tikara ever.)  Shout out to Sophia and Kenzie who are going to Morocco and Oman! 
Then I had my individual interview.  I really liked both of my interviewers; however, I was definitely very nervous and felt like I could have done better.  I was very glad to have it over with!  The afternoon was filled with more lounging around, talking with new friends, and my second group evaluation.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was exploring the country tables set up in one of the rooms and talking with staff and volunteers about the countries.  They are adding Macedonia and the Philippines this year!  Sadly we were not allowed to change our choices but could indicate our interest for the new ones.
It was a really fun weekend, and if I had to give one tip to the future YES Abroad students, I would tell them not to stress out about your interview, evaluations, and whatnot!  The staff are really friendly and just want to know more about you.  It is also important to be friendly to everyone there.  Several kids treated their peers like competition, and they did not get selected, but almost everyone was extremely friendly and it's easy to make friends.
Sunday morning we all left for the airport after a closing speech and many sad goodbyes and hugs.  It was hard not knowing if I would ever see any of these amazing, like-minded kids again!  Not only was the IPSE a great way to meet other semifinalists, but also it definitely sharpened my interest in other cultures and religions, and world affairs. 

Kenzie, Sophia, and Daniel (Oman, Morocco, and Bosnia)

The amazing 4-H Center!

Brandi and I (Oman and Thailand)

Sign in the lobby

A group of us in the lobby before leaving Sunday morning.  From left to right - Priya (Turkey), Jacqueline (standing), Katherine (Ghana), Emily (Macedonia), me, Carson-Keeley, Thomas, and Madison (Indonesia)

Tonery (Malaysia) and I in the airport for 4 hours on Sunday