YCC: A Transformative Adventure Through the Eyes of Hafsa “YCC is the experience I wish anyone could have.”
YCC is the best experience I've had in my life. Through it, I evolved, grew, and changed. From the moment I saw the program on the Facebook page of the High Atlas Foundation, I knew it was meant for me. I felt destiny calling me to have the best experience.
I came without knowing what I would do, where I would be, who these people or girls I would live with are. It was my first challenge to leave my comfort zone and stay far from my beautiful mother's face, my father's longing voice, my sister's love, and my brother's care. I knew nothing, but there was always a feeling telling me that I was on the right path.
On the first day, I felt fear and wanted to leave. I felt like I didn't belong with these people. I felt different, and my choice was wrong, cause we always feel fear when we step out of the ordinary, don't we?
I decided to give myself a chance and to the program. It was the greatest decision I made in my life, and I'll tell you why. Through my experience, I discovered myself. I met Hafsa, faced her, accepted her, and grew to love her deeply. I challenged myself multiple times, discovering my practical and personal abilities. I realized how strong, powerful and wonderful I am.
I achieved many of my dreams, such as traveling throughout the Kingdom of Morocco. I visited many places, met various people, and discovered differences in customs and traditions. Previously, I used to suffer from a phobia of animals. Today I ride horses in the forest, walk with them, and stroll with dogs behind me without screaming or running away. I even held earthworms in my hands and took pictures to send to my father.
I also fulfilled my dream of becoming a Nursemaid through the “Imagine” experience in Douar Tiferki. It was an indescribable feeling and a successful challenge by all standards. Today, I have 17 boys and girls who ask about my well-being every day and follow my news. They miss me a lot and always ask when I'll return to see them. I miss them a lot too and hope to meet them again because there is a woman named “Lalla Zineb” who told me: “No one has taken care of them like you did.”
I expanded my knowledge in various fields, visited different nurseries across Morocco, as well as many forests. I planted trees, named each one, created a place for owls to sleep, planted carrots, took beautiful photos, met wonderful people, celebrated my master's degree, faced my emotions, lived them in every detail, and I was the reason for many people's smiles.
In other words, it's an experience where I lived through several experiences. Now, I want to take a moment to express my love for the YCC girls, my companions on this journey:
The girls who fixed something that didn’t break, they are all different, but to me, they are all special, each holding something that makes her unique in my eyes. Each of them comes from a different region, each has a background, and each has a specialization in education.
“Jouhaina, Hasnae, Karima, Hajar, Sokayna, Loubna, Hinda, Soukaina, Douniya, Zahra, Yasmine, Aicha, and Oufae”: Each has a special place in my heart and a unique friendship. They call me chief, they see me as their leader, and it brings me immense joy. Every time I hear one of them call me chief, my heart feels extreme happiness. Each of them loves me in her own way and takes care of me in her own manner. I have never met girls like them, and I will never find anyone like them. I love them with all my heart.
Before I conclude, this article cannot be complete without expressing my gratitude and pure love for the person who was the reason for this experience, which I call “My Saving Angel”. Her name is Youssra Biar, the person who played a major role in this wonderful and successful experience. She is the person I met by chance, and chance led me to the place where I am today, the reason for who I am today and the perspective I have for my future every day. I sincerely thank her for this experience with all my heart.
Youssra is the person I will never forget for the rest of my life. I see myself through her, she has always been my support and safety, my friend and sister. She has been present in times of difficulty and joy. Her generosity and kindness have been a source of inspiration and comfort in times when I needed them the most. In this article, I want to tell her that her support for me goes beyond words of thanks, and I am truly grateful to have such an exceptional person to rely on in my life.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your belief in me and for pushing me to give my best. Thank you because your presence has helped me become a better version of myself. Once again, from my heart, I thank you for everything you have done for me, and I truly feel fortunate and blessed to have met you.
In the end, I can say that YCC is the mirror through which I see myself and my future.