International Congress of Youth Voices, 2019- A life changing experience Louis Munoz Marin International Airport Date: 12 August, 2019 Time: 9.30 AM (Local) I’m waiting for my return “on board” flight back to my country. What has brought me up here at San Juan? A beautiful land which is full of great minded people. I’m closing my eyes for a moment; I could hear the name of “International Congress of youth voices” on the top. I could hear the news which I first received; you have been selected for ICYV 2019, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO. I’ve never imagined (even) in my dreams that one day I’ll be in “Puerto Rico” which is 8102miles/13038.91km/7040.44 nautical miles away from Pakistan. It means; you will get a whole day to travel (by air) to reach this place. Was I ready for this? Was it actually being planned? No, I wasn’t because back to 5 days ago; I was a little bit hopeless about making it possible. There were a lot of constraints financial, geographical and cultural on my way. So I wasn’t expecting much good to have a lucky fate. But, ICYV has changed my perception both towards life and to this world. It’s ICYV which made it 100% possible to have my important voice and valued myself. It has broken all stereotypes and constraints. It taught me; there is no as such thing impossible in this world until and unless you are determined to do it. This five days congress was so superb life changing experience. I never had been to out of my country before. It was my first craze and novel experience. I would have to say; ICYV isn’t bringing youth voices together but also allowing them to experience diversification, geographical and cultural exchange. This congress is crazy travelholic. It’s for change makers. It’s all about respect, love and peace, together. I’m both mix with the feelings of ; sad to leave Puerto Rico and happy to back to my country. ICYV is also the other name of; dealing with your emotions. Everything in ICYV, you will feel, more natural and close to your heart. Stepped into this island, waiting for the flight, more few couple hours to go, I want to rewind few things. Before ICYV, I could hear the heaped-up confusions, uncertainty and hopelessness. I could see my stressed out face in the darkness. I could hear people yelling around me; impossible! I could hear voices; how it would be possible to get of your small shell? Now it has actually happened! ICYV has eradicated all disparities. It has washed off all hopelessness, worries and negativity around of me. With the power of ICYV, I had broken my “shell” and now like a “golden snail” I’m dancing on the ocean. ICYV is a platform which let you stand and to define; who you are! John F. Kennedy International Airport Date: 12 August, 2019. Time: 7: 00 pm (Local) As far as I’m going away from Puerto Rico; I’m missing all the voices. I’m missing all my new friends and staff members. I could hear Miss Felicia running around of us and yelling every time with same mission of “stay hydrated”. I’m missing Miss Amanda and Mr. Dave. I could hear their voices. I never found them too bossy rather they are possessing true skills of a perfect leader. Before meeting Mr. Dave I was miscalculating his personality ;should be bossier and less involved or every time hanging on a lavish chair for VIP guest. Or I shouldn’t get a chance to even take his autograph. Though more crazy thoughts beyond these! None the less, he is one of the prestigious American authors. Why shouldn’t be I crazy! I found Mr. Dave to be with us at every moment whether preparing the venue or cleaning old houses. He was like a real man. I never imagined to be sitting very next to him and discussing some politics and Pakistan issues. More he was speaking to me, more I yelled astonishingly; is it real man? Whoa! He listens everyone with more focus and care. Mr. Dave has taught me; true leaders never leave their teams behind rather they work together and achieve together. True leaders are more focused on “US than “I”. And Mr. Dave is “US’ oriented man! Dubai International Airport Date: 13 August, 2019. Time: 8; 00 am (Local) I could hear the 115 delegate’s voices. They inspired me with their powerful voices. They made it possible to let the world’s most important and grey issues; should be heard around the globe. It wasn’t 115 persons but 115 issues of the world. It wasn’t only issues there but 115 solutions too. This is marvelous achievement! I’m huge thankful to ICYV for brining my voice up there. It has taught me to have “MYSELF” as important identity as the breathing is to life. It has build up more confidence and believes into me. It is like; I was hiding most powerful voice inside of me. With ICYV power I broke that silence. Allama Iqbal International Airport Date: 14 August, 2019. Time: 1.30 am (Local) I’ve just landed on my soil. Oh my goodness! I can hear the wind dancing with me, people cheering me up, a fragrance of love into the air. What I did first after landing? I bowed onto my knee and kissed the soil. This land has given me a lot of things; lovely family, respect and love, beautiful traditions and a life to enjoy. I’m happy to make my country proud @ICYV. Today is the independence day of Pakistan and I’m lucky to land on this auspicious day. I’m happy to bring more proud and dignity to my country back. It has become all possible due to ICYV. I’ll come back with more new voices and ideas. Gracia! Thanks ICYV Pakistan Zinda Baad! Nabila Abbas