Let’s take a moment to reflect on this past week, our very first in the YCC program (in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service). This integration week was all about familiarizing ourselves with each other, diving into the mission and goals of the YCC program and the High Atlas Foundation, and learning about the impactful projects they’re working on across various sectors.

Over the next six months, we’ll cover a lot, but in just the first week, we've already learned so much. We were introduced to valuable insights on topics like tree planting, relief and rebuilding, and women’s empowerment. We even began developing foundational skills in design, photography, and writing. The experts who guided us were both knowledgeable and generous with their time, ensuring the information was accessible and answering every question with kindness and enthusiasm.

This week wasn’t just about professional and technical skills; it was also a journey of personal discovery. I’ve been incredibly lucky to share this experience with a group of inspiring girls, each with a unique background, place of origin, and story. Although we’re all different, we’re united by a shared goal: to challenge ourselves, learn, and grow. Together, we aspire to become change-makers, even if it’s within our own small communities, as I am a firm believer that achieving big goals begins with small steps.

Our integration week wouldn’t be the same without the support of the amazing YCC team—Kaoutar, Souad, and Ssi Hassan—who go above and beyond to make us feel at home. Being away from my family for six months is a big step for me, but I’m ready to embrace it as my first challenge.

The team has organized meaningful activities for us, helping us connect not only with each other but also with ourselves. Through laughter, tears, and profound moments, these activities allowed us to delve into our personalities and explore who we truly are. It’s been a deeply emotional week, but every moment has been valuable.

And yes, just like you, I’m amazed by how much has happened in just one week. I’m truly excited to see what the next six months hold for us and who I will become by the end of this transformative journey.