Hello! My name is Joan Hillary, and I am from Peru. I studied at Colegio Mayor Secundario Presidente del Peru (COAR Lima), where my dreams began to blossom because it gave me opportunities that a person with low economic resources would never have been able to access without that scholarship. Currently, I am studying for my International Baccalaureate at a Younited International School with a scholarship in Israel. I study courses that align with my passion, politics. I love how much this field directly influences people's lives.
Why I applied to YYGS
I applied to the program because I have always believed that knowledge is accompanied by service. Then, I was always looking for those programs in which I could learn about the positive impact of politics. In one of those searches, I came across Yale Young Global Scholars, which caught my attention because of its specialized focus on politics, law, and economics. Also, I wanted to know what it was like to do political science and introduce myself to feel like a student of the career.
My experience
One of the activities we did included quite a bit of reading. I remember we were only given one afternoon to read them, but we also had other activities in the program. The instructor told us, "Guys, get used to it because this is what you will face in college. Focus more on the content than the details."
In addition, the topics we dealt with led me to reflect deeply on global politics, always connecting it to Peru. For example, in a topic related to economics, I remember we saw a diagram of how the world economy is structured. The first thing I did was to look for Peru. I was surprised that Peru is a relatively stable country. However, the speaker explained that if we look at the difference in income between those who earn a lot and those who earn little, the gaps are enormous.
Favorite parts of the program
Creativity in the Topics
One of the things I always share when talking about the program is the creativity in the topics we explored. For example, I had a seminar on The Politics of Superheroes. I had never connected the world of cinema with politics.
During the seminar, I loved how they used superheroes as a metaphor for individuals who, although not directly part of the government, hold significant power and influence decision-making. That metaphor resonated with me so deeply that now, every time I watch a movie—whether fictional or based on real events—I try to find those connections to real life.
Capstone Project
Another activity that stood out to me was the Capstone Project. We were tasked with creating a political party and participating in elections. We were randomly assigned to groups of four, meaning we didn't choose our teammates, and we had to share and integrate diverse perspectives on politics. Some team members leaned left, others right, and some were centrist, so we had to find common ground and propose issues to address in our agenda. My party ended up winning third place! We detailed our proposals, designed a logo, and created a slogan.
Diversity of Perspectives
Finally, one of the most enriching aspects of the program was the diversity of perspectives and people. Even something as simple as sitting down for breakfast or lunch turned into an opportunity to learn. I remember casually sitting with friends, and suddenly, someone we didn't know would join us.
That kind of cultural exchange expanded my understanding of the world. Asking questions like, "What is your country like?" would open the door to fascinating discussions. These moments of connection—exchanging smiles, and sharing hugs—are what I'll cherish most from the program.
Application process and tips
I couldn't say exactly how long it took me to complete the application but I estimate it was about two weeks. First, the process starts by filling out basic information such as education, family data, and other general aspects. Then, you choose which sector you want to participate in (there are four available) and select one of the proposed dates.
Transparency: Be honest and open. Use the essays as an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. This process can be enriching—not only for securing a scholarship but also for gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.
Storytelling: Share concrete experiences and connect them to values or lessons learned. Engage the reader emotionally and highlight what makes you unique.
Diversity: Ensure that different facets of yourself are showcased in each part of the application. If you talk about one passion in an essay, use another section to highlight a different aspect of who you are.
Enjoy the Process: Beyond the result, value the opportunity to express yourself and connect with your personal goals.
Awards and Extracurriculars
🏆 Scholarship at COAR Lima, and a Medal of Honor, a recognition awarded to only 12 students in its history.
🏆 Full scholarship to study French.
🏆 Selection and a full scholarship for the EducationUSA Academy Connects program, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy.
🏆 International Baccalaureate (IB) scholarship at my current school.
📚 Devotional Time: I chose this as my most meaningful activity. It's a space for reflecting on my purpose, remembering the importance of acting with love, and growing spiritually.
📚 Class Representative: I led the creation of the student regulations and served as a bridge between students' needs and administrative decisions.
📚 University Council: I founded this organization to democratize access to academic opportunities. We currently provide personalized mentorships for low-income students, helping them write essays, find their purpose, and enjoy the college application process.
