My name is Niney, and I’m Egyptian. I was born and raised in Port Said, but I’ve spent a lot of my life moving back and forth between there and Cairo. I’ve been in the American Diploma system since kindergarten, and like many students, I grew up hearing about opportunities without always knowing how to reach them. This is the story of how I found YYAS and how that experience changed the way I see myself and my future.

Discovering Myself Through YYGS & YYAS

I first heard about YYGS before YYAS, scrolling through Instagram like I usually do. The Yalla Success page had shared the application, and since I was already involved with the page, I asked more about it. That’s how I found out that the program could help me explore my interests in political science and mass communication — the tracks I had been curious about for a long time.

I applied to YYGS mainly for the PLE track, but also marked myself for consideration for YYAS. I had wanted to participate in YYAS because of its global leadership and college prep opportunities, though I ended up applying for the online workshop rather than the residential program. Looking back, I regret not applying to the residential one, which was in Kenya. At the time, I didn’t know much about it or that Yale had a location there.

Navigating the Application: Challenges and Support

The application itself was long and detailed. Even though I had the advantage of studying in the American Diploma system, which helped me understand essays and recommendations, the process still required full attention. Choosing which activities to highlight and what experiences to write about was confusing. I didn’t have guidance on what the reviewers were looking for, and that was my biggest challenge.

My school was supportive — my principal and director helped upload transcripts and recommenders — but there were still moments of stress. I remember being on the phone with my principal until 2 a.m. the night before the deadline, making sure everything was submitted properly.

The Night I Almost Didn’t Apply

There was a moment when I almost didn’t submit my application. My family had concerns about travel, and we had trouble locating the necessary financial documents. My brother and I even considered giving up. Then, my best friend sent me a simple message: “Just apply. You won’t lose anything.” That night, I submitted my application, and that small push made all the difference.

The Moment I Found Out I Was Accepted

The day I found out I had been accepted was unforgettable. I was finishing a school assignment when my laptop and phone both buzzed with notifications. One was from Sarah El Gabery, inviting me to represent Yalla Success. The other was the acceptance email from YYAS 2025. I jumped, laughed, and ran to my mom to share the news. It was a moment of excitement and disbelief — the start of a journey I hadn’t fully imagined.

Getting Started: Finding My Place in the Program

At first, I didn’t understand much about YYAS. There were pre-program tasks and a Google Classroom full of materials. Everything felt overwhelming. I had to introduce myself, complete assignments, and get used to the online structure. Slowly, I started to grasp how the program worked and what it would offer me.

Unexpected Lessons and Memorable Moments

Once the program began, I discovered experiences that I hadn’t expected, but that proved incredibly valuable. The seminars exposed me to global conflicts, African history, and topics I had never explored in school. Social hours were a favorite — these sessions allowed us to share our cultures and connect on a personal level. One moment that stands out is when my friend and I were making heart shapes on camera during a session. We laughed nervously, hoping no one would notice, and it became one of my fondest memories.

I also noticed surprising cultural differences. For instance, some South African participants didn’t recognize North Africa as part of Africa, which led to long discussions about identity. These conversations opened my eyes to perspectives I hadn’t considered before.

Growing Academically and Personally

The program also helped me prepare for college in ways I hadn’t imagined. Before YYAS, I didn’t know what a Common App was or how to navigate US college admissions. Through seminars and guidance, I gained clarity, confidence, and knowledge to apply to top universities.

Beyond academics, YYAS taught me discipline, helped me get out of my comfort zone, and encouraged me to meet new people from diverse backgrounds. It wasn’t just about learning facts; it was about building skills, confidence, and a mindset ready for global challenges.

Reflections, Regrets, and Advice

Looking back, YYAS gave me growth in infinite ways. Professionally, I gained insight into college applications and global leadership. Personally, I learned resilience, independence, and cultural awareness. My only regret is not applying to the residential program, where I could have met more Egyptians and enjoyed the in-person experience.

For anyone considering programs like YYAS, my advice is simple: apply. Don’t hesitate. You won’t lose anything by trying, and the opportunities that follow may change your life in ways you can’t imagine.

Conclusion: Stepping Into the Unknown

Participating in YYAS showed me that growth happens when you step into the unknown. From Port Said and Cairo to a global classroom online, every step taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned on my own. Applying, learning, and connecting with people from around the world reshaped my perspective, my confidence, and my dreams. If you ever have the chance, take it — the experience is worth every challenge and every late night spent making sure you submit your application on time.