Day 2 of the Youth Assembly in tears

Second day of the Youth Assembly is over today, and I was left in tears.

The International Youth Council (IYC) Networking Event at the Dag Hammarskjold Park on August 5, 2010.

It was so beautiful to see everyone from different countries having such a great time...this video gives me the chills still...

And then after this event, get this message...

“Hello Esperanza. My name is David, from the Dominican Republic of Congo. I spent all my savings and traveled 44 hours by bus and by plane from my country to be here (YAUN). I am so inspired by this experience, and I can’t wait to go back home to my country and make the change that is needed. I am from a poor country, and I have done everything that I can to be here. I am so happy, this is an experience I will never forget. I just wanted to let you know you’re doing an amazing job and you are such an inspiration in my life.”

David, WE have dedicated my life to the YA UN these past few months just so that you can be provided with the opportunities YOU deserve. Thank you for making my life and work worth living and for allowing me to share continue my passion with you. YOU are my inspiration.

Today was surreal...Last day of YA UN tomorrow....

Message from a UN Ambassador

My name is Esperanza Concepcion Garcia, I am 23 years old, I am following my passion and I am living my dream.

Yesterday, I somehow was chosen to be moderator at the 7^th Annual Youth Assembly at the UN Headquarters (http://faf.org/unyouthassembly/program.htm). The people who spoke whilst moderating were all globally recognized brilliant change-makers making a difference in the world, and it was such an honor to have each and everyone of them. 

On my way to the UN before I spoke, I was extremely nervous, I wasn't too confident because I wasn't in my best shape. I had gone almost a week with little/no sleep. I was so busy with everyone else, that I didn't realize I didn't have a script and only had the chance to prepare the script the night before- also with no sleep. I couldn’t even make it to the only/final rehearsal because I had lost my voice and was ridiculously sick all of last week. 

When I got home tonight, I received this voicemail, from an Ambassador of the United Nations…..

  

“Hi Ms. Garcia I am an ambassador of the United Nations. I just want to say what a phenomenal speech you did today. Quite impressed with your heartfelt expressions of how to motivate the youth of today and to end poverty. God bless you. Hello, I am the Ambassador of (???????????) actually.... just wanted to see how you did. Congratulations.”

At first I thought, is this real?!?!?!?!(I am extremely embarrassed but I am hoping you can help in figuring out the country that the Ambassador had mentioned. Unfortunately, after playing this over, I am unable to determine the country.)

What an honor. I have been so blessed recently, with extremely supportive family and friends, and living a life that I can only dream of having.  I am a  young person, just like yourself, who happens to be lucky enough to be able to follow and live my passion.  I am speechless still...