My Background
I'm Mohamed Zedane, and I'm a 17-year-old junior at the Red Sea STEM High School in Egypt. I was clinched to one of the few spots in the finalized selection list of students to be sponsored under the Sports Visitor Program supported by FHI 360 and the U.S. Department of State. This 16-day cultural exchange leadership program exposed me to two famous cities in the United States, including New York City and Boston; I had leadership classes, a robotics/sports camp, and cultural trips that altered my life.
A Life-Changing Event: How the Sports Visitor Program Empowers Young Leaders
Sports supporters taken by the government are not any other visitor exchange program; it is just a special program by which young international leaders are to be linked with sports and education supporters. Organized in the United States, it offers students leadership experiences, education options, and tools to improve their communities upon returning home.
For me, such a program turned into a life-changing event that provided me with the ability to challenge myself, accept cultural differences, and develop my leadership skills.
Five Unforgettable Days in New York
My journey started in New York City where participants are accommodated at Columbia University's dorms, which gives an educational powerhouse feel.
Every morning, I wake up early at 7:00 AM, and then breakfast starts from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, I participated in classes conducted by Columbia professors that gave a variety of topics each session, such as Leadership Development, Overcoming Challenges, Cultural Adaptation, Productivity, and Community Impact.
As for the afternoon, it was even more fun. Over the next four hours, lunch was taken, and we toured and saw New York's prolific city light,s including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. I also got an opportunity to visit other universities like Fordham University.
One of the program’s most exciting encounters was when I was introduced to the first football team of Leipzig Club, which is a club in Germany, as they had a training camp in New York. Not only did I speak to the team’s manager and assistant coach, but I also went to practice for a football session with the assistant coach and attended a motivational talk about mental health and mentality by the manager. Such a rare chance only enhanced my passion for football and focused on the aspect of coaching mentality.
Exploring Innovation and Excellence in Boston
After an incredible five days in New York, I continued the tours in Boston for eleven days at the University of Massachusetts (UMass).
The days were as in Columbia; during the mornings, I had the sessions the university conducted by the university’s professors, and the topics were not different from those in Columbia. it was nearly the same topic, just given by different people in different ways.
However, what made Boston unique was the array of groundbreaking institutions I visited: Harvard University, MIT, NASA, Google, and Microsoft. These visits opened my eyes to innovation and research, encouraging me to strive for better education and jobs in the future. The program also offered two specialized camps:
– A 4-day robotics camp through which students got an understanding of what engineering and technologies are.
– A four-day sports camp for football and basketball. I’m fond of football; thus, I decided to develop my skills at the football camp; the camp improved my physical skills as well as my mental attitude on the football field.
In Boston, I was living valuable days through a positive attitude, commitment, and relevant chances; nothing was out of reach in this life.
The Application Process: A Test of Dedication
Just to be among the selected candidates for the Sports Visitor Program was not a joke. The first step I underwent involved submitting certain honors, achievements, and all intended aspirations. I was required to write essays that demonstrated his potential, but they were very typical questions, such as: Why are you an ideal candidate for the program?
After submitting my application, I was selected to have an interview, and much as expected by the selection committee, I showcased my drive and passion together with my commitment to make a change in society. The acceptance email is something I will never forget since it confirms that nothing comes easy, only the harder you try the better the outcomes.
Honors and Achievements
Bronze Honour in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC): Recognized for his excellence in astronomy and astrophysics.
Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP): Attended the online version of this rigorous academic program, gaining exposure to university-level coursework.
International Youth Research Conference (IYRC): Participated in this global platform for young researchers to present innovative ideas and engage with international peers.
MedSTEM Program: Participated in an interdisciplinary program exploring medicine and STEM fields.
Volunteer with Resala Charity Organization: Contributed to community service initiatives supporting underprivileged communities in Egypt.
Volunteered at the International Tourism Festival in Egypt: Promoted Egyptian culture and heritage through his role at this national event.
Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones: My Message to Aspiring Global Leaders
As for personal insights, I mentioned that the program provided me with much more than the necessary knowledge to acquire. From it, I learned lessons about leadership, cultural exchange, and going and crossing that line, which is the normal ‘comfort zone.’
I urge other students in Egypt to also follow the same path and seek international learning experiences to improve the growth of their fellow citizens back home.
