This summer of 2024, I had an incredible opportunity to represent Nepal as a participant in the On-Demand Youth Leadership Program(ODYLP): Nepal STEM which was held in the United States of America.

Talking about the program, ODYLP is a 3 week US based exchange program designed to empower young leaders to make a better change in their community. This program was administered by Legacy International and fully funded by the U.S Department of State. The core areas of the program were Civic Engagement, STEM skills and knowledge, Cultural Exchange and Community Projects.

On June 14,2024, me along with 15 other young leaders and 2 dedicated mentors, headed towards our journey to the United States of America as a youth participant from Nepal. From the moment we landed in the USA, there was a sense of excitement within us as it was the first time for many of us in the USA, and the warm greetings we received in our arrival was truly an unforgettable memory.

Our day during the program was filled with various activities and workshops related to STEM and leadership. In the USA, the program was held in the capital of the country; Washington D.C. and Kansas City. We started our program with Scavenger Hunt in the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Air and Space National Museum. Exploring and getting to know about the inspiring stories of Women in STEM was really motivating for me. Following the program, we also attended a workshop on Sustainable development goals in the Smithsonian Science and Education Center. A particularly memorable experience was when we visited the White House. As we stood together for a group photo, a passerby asked us where we were from. When we replied, 'Nepal', he graciously played our country's National Anthem. It was a very proud moment for us as it highlighted the global connections we were making in the United States and the pride we felt in representing our country Nepal in an international platform. Throughout the program, we participated in various workshops and activities focused on STEM skills and leadership development.Whether it was leadership workshops or designing projects, each activity we did in various organizations and places was an opportunity for us to grow and learn.

Our time in the United States of America also included cultural exchange, where we shared Nepali traditions and explored American Culture. A major highlight was our cultural night with our host families and Legacy International as well as Global Ties Kansas City team, where we presented traditional Nepali music, dances and Attire. It was a joy to see our rich heritage being celebrated and appreciated by everyone. We also got the opportunity to volunteer in the local food bank in the Kansas City while our stay there. For me, the ODYLP program wasn't just about academic and cultural exploration, it was also about personal growth. ODYLP provided us with all the required tools and opportunities such as team building activities and leadership skills to make a meaningful and positive impact in our community.

As I now reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such transformative experience. As someone passionate about STEM and leadership, ODYLP has truly been an inspiring as well as transformative experience for me!

Aarya is currently a student of Grade XII (Science) at St. Mary's School, Jawalakhel