Spring Semester YES Student Making Most Of Program

Our students do all that they can to experience as much of the American culture and way of life during their program year. But what if they only had half that time? This is what Ayusa students who are on program for a semester face. However, if they jump in quickly, they can experience just as much as those on program for the year. This is exactly what Ayusa YES student Jin-Shen from Malaysia has done and for that he is our Star Student of the Month!

Wasting no time, Jin-Shen joined the Patrick Henry High School robotics team, known as Herobotics, in January when he arrived. Jin-Shen’s main contribution to the team has been helping them to show hospitality to several Chinese teams via email and other communications. David Sylvestre, Herobotics team advisor, says, “Jin-Shen has already helped draft a letter in Mandarin to the four Chinese teams coming to the Minneapolis Regional competition. At the actual competitions, he will speak about his place on the team. He will be an advocate of how the team has welcomed him.”

By preparing our students to be effective global citizens in this way we are equipping them to be the leaders we all know they can be. Having Jin-Shen here is very valuable.

Sylvestre also emphasized the global perspective focus at Patrick Henry High School. “We have a group in robotics who develops a business plan. We ask Jin-Shen's perspective about the United States. Global discussions have more meaning. His presence in several discussions has made them deeper. By preparing our students to be effective global citizens in this way we are equipping them to be the leaders we all know they can be. Having Jin-Shen here is very valuable."

Herobotics recently finished their second regional competition, where Jin-Shen played in instrumental part. He helped mentor more than one Chinese team, was chosen as a VIP tour guide, and was one of 10 students who got to sing our national anthem during opening ceremonies on Saturday. He was also one of 15 students on the team to be selected to go to the International Competition in St. Louis! “We are so proud of him,” says host mom and Ayusa Community Representative Amanda Hauck.

Congratulations to Jin-Shen for being star student of the month!

If you would like to nominate a student for Star Student, send you story along with photos to stories@ayusa.org.

Story contributions by Leta Rudzik