C.R. welcomed exchange student

I am a high school student from Bangladesh. I have spent the 2013-14 school year living in Cedar Rapids and going to Washington High School.

I am on a scholarship with Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) through the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. The YES Program was created in 2002 by the U.S. Department of State to promote international understanding, development and peace.

I am thankful for the way my host family and Cedar Rapids have welcomed me. I am also grateful for all of the opportunities available that I do not have back home. I am in the Amnesty International and Interact clubs and volunteer at Cottage Grove Place and River of Life. I really loved my time there. I also have encountered unexpected experiences and relationships that I will forever cherish.

My plan is to take what I learned about life in Iowa to improve my community in Bangladesh. I want to thank IRIS, my placement organization in Ames, and last but not least, I want to thank my host family, Michael and Sarah Jackson, Paige, Andy, Macie and Emily in Cedar Rapids. They were with me on this journey and will remain forever in my heart.

Limi Meherunnesa

Cedar Rapids