By Laura Ionescu (YYGS Alumna 2020)
I had mingled with the possibility of studying politics, law, philosophy, economics and literature at university. I had done everything in my power to create an internationally-recognized platform for actively-involved youth: hARTS magazine. I wanted to take part in something that would encompass both of these worlds and allow myself to grow further as an individual. The Yale Young Global Scholars program proved to be the answer for me.
YYGS is a summer enrichment program for outstanding high school students wishing to further develop their academic knowledge in fields from natural and social sciences to literature, culture, philosophy and more. Students applying to attend this program next year (summer 2021), will have a choice between 4 subject areas: Innovations in Science & Technology, Politics, Law, & Economics, Literature, Philosophy, & Culture and Solving Global Challenges.
Truth be told, I was astonished at the number of countries students that attended this program came from and was somewhat intimidated by the comprehensive application process and low admission rates (YYGS is an incredibly competitive program so it was to be expected). Due to the pandemic, the program was not held in person on the iconic Yale University campus, and instead was held online via platforms such as Zoom and Canvas. However, the physical implications of COVID-19 proved to be an overlookable obstacle. Fruitful debates and intense conversations predominated. Fresh outlooks on topics such as the then-upcoming US presidential elections, the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGTBQ+ community were plentiful. These topics are prevalent in today’s world and our youth should be encouraged to discuss them more. YYGS provided me with a platform on which I could present my geopolitical views and engage with many other challenging ones.
Through a series of lectures and seminars, I had the opportunity to learn about “concepts of liberty” through 20th century philosopher Isaiah Berlin’s writings and study “legal systems around the worlds” by determining what a true democracy should stand for. I was no longer restricted by a local or centralistic outlook on topics that were being discussed. I attended online meetings with students from Uganda, Ohio, France, Nepal, Sweden and India all at once, reflecting on our teachings in a series of “family time” sessions. These world-wide connections do not fade away after the two weeks. The intellectual and personal relations that nurture during this academic program will last for longer that the few warm summer months that follow the course.
What truly makes YYGS a character-forming 2 weeks are the people. Such an extraordinary experience would not have been able to take place were it not for its staff members and incredible world-wide student voices. The community that YYGS organizers manage to create each year is unique. Being the only summer program that is open to the international community and provides financial aid for anyone who applies, YYGS is a program you MUST consider to apply to. In the words of Albert Einstein, “learning is an experience”. The Yale Young Global Scholars provides just that.
The two weeks will be a challenge. They may push your intellect to new horizons that you may not have thought about approaching before. However you will resurface with fresh perspectives on the world around you, a renewed sense of curiosity and friendships linking you to every corner of this world.
hARTS magazine 