Student of the Month – September 2015

Congratulations to Muqadas from Pakistan, ACES September 2015 Student of the Month! Muqadas, a YES (Youth Exchange and Study) student, is one of roughly 900 students in the U.S. on a fully-funded scholarship provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. She is an incredible example of a student who both embraces her community and helps improve it through her active and kind spirit.

Whether it be helping her neighbor with day care, assisting her host mom with Latin class, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or spending time with her friends and host family, Muqadas is sure to be enriching Sioux Falls, South Dakota in everything she does. In addition, Muqadas helps other exchange students, presenting PowerPoints with tips on how to have a successful exchange experience, preparing leadership activities, and mentoring students experiencing homesickness. Muqadas has earned close to 80 hours of community service since arriving in America, and it’s only halfway through the first semester!

At the same time she gives so freely to others, Muqadas also never loses sight of the graciousness that others show. When discussing her host families in her student feedback, she told ACES “they are great people and I am blessed to live with them.” She recognizes the importance of doing her best for her host parents because “for free they open their doors and hearts to us.” In additional feedback, she gives appreciation to her current host sister, describing her as her best friend who helps her often, and her coordinator— “one of the best lady I’ve ever met.”

The positive and loving attitude Muqadas exhibits allows her to foster better connections between America and Pakistan. In order to ensure these connections are made, Muqadas wears only traditional clothing to school. Her decision has sparked many questions, conversations, and teachable moments among her peers and teachers.

As her coordinator describers, Muqadas really is “an extraordinary young lady” and “a true Ambassador for Pakistan.” Thanks Muqadas, and keep up the good work!