My background and high school

Hi there! I’m Ayandziswa Gama, and I hail from the outskirts of Mbabane, in the Kingdom of Eswatini, in Southern Africa. I currently attend school at St. Mark’s High School, also in Mbabane, where I’m doing my final year.

What inspired me to apply to YYAS

I applied to the Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program because I was in search of an opportunity that would challenge me academically while also connecting me with like-minded peers and field experts to offer guidance in

my career development. As someone with a cutting-edge passion for education and youth leadership, I was particularly drawn to YYAS’s rigorous program

nature and seminars, which fostered a culture of critical thinking in me. I also wanted guidance about university admissions processes, as I have a lifelong dream of studying at one of the best business schools in the world; the University of Pennysalvania’s Wharton School. I, therefore saw YYAS as the perfect opportunity to acquire such guidance and gain valuable life skills. I saw the program as a gateway to a brighter future and overall personal success.

Application Process

The Yale Young African Scholars application is very long and tedious. It actually embodies a typical university application. It took me about two months to complete. While the process seemed daunting, I remained positive, and finally sent my application through. I decided to divide the application components into smaller, manageable segments. This kept me organized during the process and had me work thoroughly on each part. Google Calendar helped in keeping track of the different application components I had to submit, in a timely manner, too!

To prepare for the YYAS application process, I started off by conducting thorough research on the program to better understand its mission, goals, and selection criteria through the program’s website. It was very important for me to align my application with the expectations and objectives of the program. I knew this would enrich my application, increasing my chances of getting accepted. Moreover, the success stories and testimonials of YYAS alumni were very helpful during my preparations for the application process. I found these on social media, and they gave me a clear picture of what the program was all about and what to look out for as I curated my application. Overall, my approach was very strategic; I focused on showcasing my passion for

learning, while ensuring that I submitted a compelling and strong application.

My Extracurricular Activities

I’m a zealous and passion-driven young person with an interest in climate action and youth development. This is depicted by my diverse extracurricular activities and achievements, which have shaped my ambitions and career goals. One of these experiences include my active membership in the Eswatini Climate Change Youth Parliament. This role has been vital in deepening my understanding of climate change and the role of young people in environmental stewardship. Notably, under the youth parliament, I led the extensive planning and execution of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Eswatini in 2024, which mobilized young people, policymakers, and academia,

thus presenting the youth with a seat at the climate negotiations table. Another one of my experiences and achievements includes my participation in the Eswatini Foundation for STEM Education, a robotics and computer

programming hub. This opportunity has allowed me to engage with cutting-edge technology and innovation solutions, which culminated in my involvement in the FIRST® Global Challenge 2022/23 in Switzerland and

Singapore.

Application Essays

One of my application essays that stood out to me was about a component of my country’s education system that I support. When I first laid my eyes on this essay question, several points and ideas came to mind, and I had to think

fervently in order to bring out and adequately explain just one component of Eswatini’s education system worthy of my support. After doing my research and considering students in both rural and urban areas, I decided to go with

the Eswatini Free Primary Education system, highlighting both the pros and the cons of this system of education. Writing this application essay prompted critical thinking and methodical evaluation, thus widening my worldview and

perspective about education as a whole.

Experience during YYAS Program

To me, the Yale Young African Scholars program was more than just an academic program, but a life-changing opportunity, which has played a vital role in preparing me for college, leadership and career development. Interacting with like-minded and goal oriented individuals from across the African continent was truly an amazing experience. I was challenged to think deeply about innovation and youth leadership in Africa, thus contributing to my personal and professional development. The discussions I had

with fellow participants and instructors about global challenges, such as climate injustice, gender inequalities, and politics, were the most memorable, as they further fuelled my passion for taking action and prioritizing youth

leadership.

Gaining valuable skills and knowledge

During my time at YYAS, I acquired several skills as well as knowledge that have already started to impact my personal and professional growth. One of the skills I developed was collaboration, which was due to the group discussions and presentations where I was tasked with working with peers

from diverse backgrounds. This did not only boost my confidence, even in leadership, but also equipped me with the skills, knowledge and tools key for achieving teamwork. Another skill I developed was critical thinking, particularly

during the focus group discussions and seminars. I learnt to analyse complex issues from different perspectives, which has made me emerge victorious as a problem solver.

Connections to peers and mentors

My academic and career goals lean towards Financial Economics. On the other hand, I have immense interest and outmost commitment to climate action and youth development. For both fields of interest, I’m glad I could

cultivate relationships with peers and mentors who share the same interests at YYAS.

Favorite session of the program

I found great enjoyment in one of the seminars titled ‘Sustainable Horizons: Understanding and Adapting to Climate Change in Africa, ’ which was facilitated by one of the YYAS instructors, Ms. Audrey Gatera. This seminar

explored climate change traces on the African continent, such as loss of biodiversity and food insecurity, while also focusing on the role of young people in fostering a greener and climate-resilient Africa. From this particular seminar, I grabbed a handful of nuggets, which I’ve also implemented in my climate action journey, specifically focusing on making young people realise their role in climate action. As a young climate enthusiast myself, I strongly believe that this seminar was relevant and couldn’t have come at a better time than this ‘climate-reckoning’ era we’re experiencing worldwide.

YYAS's influence on my long-term goals

My participation in the Yale Young African Scholars program has indeed influenced my academic and career goals. Before participating in YYAS, I knew I had an undying interest in Finance and Economics. However,

engaging with finance enthusiasts and experts during the course of the program deepened my understanding of Financial Economics, a path I plan to take upon completing high school. For instance, a workshop on financial

modelling inspired me to think critically about African financial markets, thus widening my perspective on international financial aspects. Additionally, the university guidance sessions gave me clarity on my planned academic path, that is, studying Financial Economics at UPenn. In essence, YYAS did not only reaffirm my career and academic goals, but actually solidified them, giving me a framework for achieving them.

Personal Growth

Growing up, I’ve always been known as a quiet, introverted, and shy individual. The YYAS program, however, unveiled a side of me I never knew I had. I got the opportunity to meet and interact with vibrant and diverse African peers, which fostered a sense of interdependence and the cultivation of networks. Another area of significant growth has been my confidence in public speaking. Initially, I struggled with speaking in front of large groups of people, but through the discussions and seminars at YYAS, I was exposed to public

speaking and leading conversations. Moving forward, I look forward to further cultivating the networks formed at YYAS and applying the skills acquired from this prestigious program.

Favorite memories from the program

One of my favourite memories from the YYAS program was during the ‘Design for Impact’ project, where we were split into small groups and had to come up with an innovative solution to a real-life problem. My group was given the problem: food insecurity, and I was in awe of the proposed solutions my team and I produced. We spent hours and hours brainstorming, debating, and generally working on the project. Though we did not win the prize, this experience remains memorable and special in our hearts because of all the collaboration and mutual respect we felt within the group. This experience emphasized the importance of collaboration towards ecological sustainability.

Advice for future applicants

To all young African scholars considering YYAS, my advice is quite simple. Approach the experience with an open mind and have the desire to learn, grow, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Do not just assume that the program is all about academics and learning, it’s so much more! This program will foster personal growth and development, and you’ll gain insights into your interests, strengths, and areas of improvement. If you’re passionate about learning, dreaming big, and making a difference, YYAS is a gateway to an even brighter future!