Inspiration and Motivation

Three months ago, I made the decision to apply to the AYF Youth Corps program. One week later, my life completely changed. My best friend was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins lymphoma cancer. It’s crazy how life plays out; one day you’re sitting and planning out your summer and the next day you’re watching your best friend go through chemotherapy.

For the average person, these type of circumstances would put a sudden halt to their life and disable them mentally and emotionally. However, she was able to find strength and take this opportunity to create a positive outlook on cancer, not only for herself, but for her family and her surrounding communities. She has inspired so many people with her fight, courage and positive attitude, and I hope one day I too can inspire others.

With her courage and strength in mind, I truly feel honored to have been given the opportunity to spend six weeks in my homeland, creating bonds with the other 23 participants, who will soon become my family.

Many of my fellow AYF members who have participated in the AYF Youth Corps program, have told me that this is going to be the best summer of my life, filled with amazing and unforgettable memories. It has been said that the feeling I get while spending time with the children is indescribable and I won’t want to leave them at the end of the program. We are finally in Hayastan and the feeling is like no other. It feels like home. It has only been our second day in Gyumri and I have fallen in love with the beautiful city. Monday is the long-awaited first day of camp and I, along with all the other participants, am impatiently waiting to finally begin bonding with the children.

My friend has given me the courage and inspiration to be a part of this program and connect with our brothers and sisters in our homeland. This program gives me the opportunity to be in Armenia for 6 weeks and build unbreakable bonds with the other participants and hundreds of children. I cherish this opportunity and look forward to the most exciting 5 weeks of my life.

-Talin Saklarian