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Congratulations to May’s American Abroad Student of the Month, Precious King, a YES Abroad student studying in Accra, Ghana!   

Precious has taken full advantage of every opportunity she has been presented in Ghana, radiating a true ambassadorial spirit. You can find her giving back to her community through volunteering, learning the local languages, participating in sports at her school, and joining in local dance traditions.

Precious contributed to her new community by participating in activities such as neighborhood clean-ups and volunteering to assist students with special needs. She has been overwhelmingly embraced by her community and has capitalized on this, leaving positive impressions throughout diverse Ghanaian communities.

After her return to the United States, Precious plans to pursue a career in international relations, an interest which was hardened by her opportunity to shadow American diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Accra. Precious is currently examining the West African diaspora and the two way perceptions of how Ghanaians perceive U.S. citizens who are African American, and vice versa, through her Capstone project. She also participated in an “AFS T.V.” event emphasizing the value of exchange and the importance of strengthening the U.S. - Ghana community relationship.

“Exchange is when you find out what type of decisions you will make when you are put in positions to make an impact or not. Exchange is where you truly get to be yourself and you learn compassion, humility, and leadership,” says Precious, who was only 15 years old at the beginning of her program.

Precious’ compassion for others has been consistently noted by those around her, illustrated in the powerful relationships she has formed with her host family and friends in Ghana.

Congratulations, Precious!