Briana Erica Vera Gonzales is a bright and inspiring young leader from Peru who attended the prestigious Yale International Relations Leadership Institute (YIRLI). There, she explored the world of diplomacy, global leadership, and international cooperation, a journey that expanded her dreams beyond borders.
She is the Founder and CEO of Heartful English, a nonprofit organization that brings English, art, and joy to children with cancer. While her heart is set on becoming an educator, YIRLI opened her eyes to the power of policy and global change.
Why I Applied to YIRLI
I found out about the program through someone I met at Cometa Camp. She shared her experience with so much passion that it sparked my curiosity. At the time, I had never applied to a program focused on international relations, since I always felt like it wasn’t really for me. But as I read through the program details and all the activities involved, I thought… why not give it a try?
What truly caught my attention was that it wasn’t limited to international relations. It also included preparation for Model United Nations (MUN), a skill I never had the opportunity to develop at my school in Arequipa. The idea of strengthening those skills, guided by mentors with experience at Yale University, felt incredible. I loved how the program was so dynamic; it went beyond one field, opening doors to multiple areas of growth. Besides, the fact that it included a visit to the UN inspired me even more.
My Experience: Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
At first, I was scared. I didn’t have much experience, and it worried me a lot. When I was accepted into the program, they created a group chat, and as I read through my classmates’ profiles, I noticed how much experience many of them had in diplomacy. I panicked a little because I didn’t have anything similar on my résumé. So, I started researching the topic, learning the basic rules, and even reaching out to some of my fellow participants, especially international students.
At Yale University
When I finally arrived, everything felt different from what I had imagined. I thought it would be super strict, fast-paced, and intense from the very first day. But even though the program was short, the mentors paced the learning process so well. Instead of jumping straight into debates, we had workshops and practice sessions beforehand. This structure made it possible to learn and prepare gradually, and it never felt rushed despite lasting only one week. I truly appreciated how well-organized it all was.
Before attending, I thought I would feel too shy or insecure to debate — especially in English. It’s not easy to connect ideas in a language that’s not your own. But the mentors understood this perfectly. In fact, about 80% of the participants were international students, and only a few were American. That awareness created an environment where we could learn without fear, and it made me realize I was capable of much more than I thought.
How YIRLI Opened New Paths for My Future
The program opened doors to new interests I never imagined for myself. I had always thought diplomacy wasn’t for me, mostly because I’d never been given the opportunity to explore it. But as the mentors began sharing their career journeys, it didn’t feel so distant anymore. I realized that I could actually combine international relations with education, something I’m deeply passionate about. That’s when I discovered the field of Global Affairs, a career that is broad, multidisciplinary, and not entirely focused on politics. I loved that flexibility, and now I’m considering pursuing it.
Model United Nations simulation
One of the highlights for me was the Model United Nations simulation. Back in Arequipa, my first and only MUN experience left me thinking, This is not for me. But in New Haven, it felt entirely different, respectful, engaging, and inclusive. Even during open debate, there were no heated arguments; everyone had the space to share their perspective. That changed my perception completely and inspired me to give MUN another try. Now, I’d love to join a UN delegation in the future, once I’m at university.
YIRLI also broadened my worldview in ways I didn’t expect. The variety of talks we had, from an MIT graduate discussing Artificial Intelligence to a Harvard-trained doctor speaking on women’s rights and her fight to study in a country where access to education is extremely limited — left a lasting impact on all of us. These conversations didn’t just enrich my academic perspective; they also transformed my personal outlook, showing me that these global issues are connected to my own background and identity.
Global Impact Challenge
One of the most important and meaningful activities of the program was the Global Impact Challenge. We were placed into teams of four to five students, and each group was assigned a global challenge connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our mentors provided a list of topics — once the topics were set, we worked together for the next four days, meeting every afternoon, gathering around our laptops, organizing our ideas, and preparing our presentations. On the final day, we presented our work to the mentors, who recognized the project that was best researched, well-presented, and most sustainable.
I’ve always loved speaking and presenting, but this was the first time I was going to do it in English, in a completely new environment, in front of distinguished mentors and so many students. We had very little time to prepare, which pushed me to think quickly in English and sharpen my ability to develop ideas on the spot. That challenge made me realize it wasn’t as difficult as I had imagined. I began trusting myself more — I had underestimated my abilities so much that I doubted I could do it. But when I stood up to speak, I really enjoyed it, especially because our topic was connected to education, something I care about.
Advice and Tips: Why You Should Apply
I know exactly what it feels like to doubt yourself. Not long before applying to YIRLI, I had been rejected from a program I had invested so much time and energy into. I felt discouraged, convinced I wouldn’t be selected for anything else. That’s when impostor syndrome crept in.
But I realized something important: all the time I spent working on my essays and videos hadn’t been wasted. I actually enjoyed the process, brainstorming ideas, talking about my projects, and editing my responses. So, when I saw the prompts for YIRLI’s application, I already had answers forming in my head, and that gave me the push I needed to keep going.
Almost everyone seemed to have a background in diplomacy, while I didn’t. In my essays, I simply explained that I had never had the opportunity to participate in those spaces, but I was eager to learn. They understood completely. I was one of the few without prior experience, and it didn’t hold me back.
Give it your all, be honest
Share your story, your feelings, your challenges, your hopes. This program isn’t here to judge you; it’s here to help you grow. If you want to apply but feel like you “don’t have enough experience,” do it anyway. The essays aren’t about listing credentials; they’re about showing who you are as a person.
Don’t underestimate yourself, and don’t be afraid to dive into something new. You might just surprise yourself, just like I did. And in the end, everything worked out, which only makes me more excited to keep trying new things!
