PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is a program of PAX Laurasian Exchange and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.

I am Bakhtiar, a YES scholar from Bangladesh. I am living in Virginia, and I am currently in the 11th grade at Manchester High School. Like everyone else, I selected some specific subjects for the academic year. One subject that stands out from all the others is Service Learning. I got the opportunity to take this subject as an elective.

This class is special to me, because I have the opportunity to work with a special and talented bunch of kids who are physically and mentally challenged. This is my first experience working with these students, and I have learned that they are really awesome in many ways. I was in awe after watching their skills in reading and writing. Working with them closely gave me a whole different idea about them. I had no prior experience working in this kind of environment, and I was a bit nervous in the beginning. But now, with the help of some awesome teachers, I am able to work confidently.

This is an opportunity that not only changes our perspective but also helps us to learn a whole lot. I think I will be able to do something good in this class.

—Bakhtiar (YES, Bangladesh), hosted by the Jakim family (VA)