Taylor Bonin, Australia, 2023 My experience at YCM was truly wonderful, thanks to the amazing students, staff, and families who make up the YCM community. I joined as an Australian Volunteer remotely from Australia, with two visits to Bogor to meet everyone face-to-face. Coming from a background working with young people in Australia, I was immediately drawn to YCM because of its focus on supporting children and young people with diverse life experiences. What stood out to me was how eager the students were to learn and how much they loved sharing their own stories and ideas. The warm, family-like atmosphere at YCM was a huge drawcard for me. The staff team was incredibly accommodating and open to new ideas, and they showed patience and curiosity in navigating the challenges that come with having a remote volunteer. No matter the distance, we always found ways to deliver engaging lessons and activities for the students. It was clear that the staff prioritise the health and wellbeing of everyone at YCM. Their passion goes beyond just a job – it is a way of life. Reflecting on my time there, it’s hard to pick just one favourite moment. Whether it was delivering lessons, answering questions in front of the school, or playing in futsal championships, every moment felt special. But one memory that stands out was during one of my visits when some students went fishing to catch fresh fish for dinner. We all cooked together, and I was put in charge of making the sambal. We then sat down and shared the meal lesehan style. That moment really captured the warmth, care, and affection that everyone has for each other at YCM. It showed me that YCM is more than just a school – it’s a big family. They welcomed me wholeheartedly and treated me as one of their own, and I will always be grateful for that experience.