When I first received the email notifying me of my selection for the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024 in Thailand, it was a surreal moment. I was doing my assignments all frustrated but suddenly when the notification popped up, and I couldn’t contain my emotions. I jumped with joy, overwhelmed by the thought of being chosen for such an incredible opportunity. That email was the start of an unforgettable journey—one that would take me to new places, connect me with passionate individuals, and leave me with memories I’ll cherish forever. The dream of the dreamer started since then. The preparation for the fellowship began months in advance. YouthMappers, a global community of students, researchers, educators, and scholars that use public geospatial technologies to highlight and directly address development and environmental challenges worldwide ensured we were well-prepared with pre-departure sessions and constant communication through emails and WhatsApp. They guided us every step of the way, taking care of us with unmatched warmth and care. From learning how to say “Sawadike” (hello) and “Khapunka” (thank you) in Thai, to planning and packing for the trip, every moment was filled with excitement. The day of departure was momentous—my first international flight, passport in hand, and butterflies in my stomach. Along with my Nepali peers, we clicked countless photos at the airport, thrilled to embark on this journey. As our flight landed in Bangkok, the sparkling city lights welcomed us to a country that truly never sleeps. Angela, our warm and wonderful guide, greeted us at the airport, setting the tone for an amazing experience.

First Impressions and New Connections

Our first day in Thailand was magical. Staying in a cozy hotel, enjoying delicious breakfasts, and exploring the vibrant streets around us felt like stepping into a dream. As other fellows from across the globe arrived, the excitement only grew. The orientation session was our first formal introduction to the program, the YouthMappers team, and the 27 fellows from diverse countries. I was fascinated by their unique names and stories—from America to Zuliatu, everyone brought something special to the table. That evening, over dinner, we bonded with the organizers and faculty of YouthMappers. Sharing laughs, stories, and conversations with people who had achieved so much in their respective fields was inspiring. This sense of community and collaboration is, I believe, the heart of the open-data movement.

Learning, Exploring, and Growing

The next day, we dressed in formals and headed to the auditorium for official sessions. We learned about the structure of YouthMappers, its global chapters, partnerships with organizations like USAID, and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I was assigned to the SDG 11 group: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This session was a highlight for me, as I eagerly collaborated with my team and dived deep into discussions. Our first travel destination was the breathtaking Wat Pho Temple, where we soaked in the culture, clicked countless pictures, and marveled at the beauty of Thailand. A serene boat ride followed, offering mesmerizing views of the city. While trying seafood at dinner wasn’t quite my cup of tea, the experience added to the adventure.

Conversations That Inspire

One of the most impactful moments was a heartfelt conversation with Angela. She shared stories of the struggles faced by women in rural Thailand, particularly around inequality and exploitation. Her resilience and wisdom left a deep mark on me. Angela’s words reinforced the importance of supporting marginalized groups and working tirelessly for equality and inclusion. The third day of our fellowship was a transformative one, as we left the chaos of Bangkok for the tranquility of Bang Saen Beach. Settling in at the beautiful Bang Saen Beach Resort, I quickly joined my team to dive into OpenStreetMap (OSM) and flood mapping. The hands-on experience, working with passionate mappers from around the world, was thrilling, but a moment of self-doubt crept in. It was during this time that Patricia, a beacon of wisdom and energy, helped me shift my perspective and reignite my determination. Her encouragement allowed me to embrace the process with clarity and purpose, carrying me forward through the fellowship with renewed vigour. As we moved into fieldwork, I was honoured to lead our team, thanks to the trust of our group leader, Nuala Cowan. The day was filled with collaboration and teamwork, where each member brought their best effort, and we completed tasks with enthusiasm. The sessions that followed further enriched our knowledge, focusing on project leadership, gender inclusion, and the power of communication. The final days were a whirlwind of collaboration, innovation, and reflection, culminating in our impactful flood mapping project. Presenting our work, knowing how much we’d achieved together, filled me with pride. As I said goodbye to my fellow participants, I left with not just memories, but with invaluable lessons on leadership, mapping, and the importance of community-driven solutions.

The final day was a mix of excitement and nerves. Our SDG 11 team, focusing on sustainable cities and flood mapping, presented our project on Si Racha, Chan Buri, an area recently impacted by flash floods on March 19, 2024.We analyzed the flood’s impact by mapping the inundation area, affected buildings, highways, health facilities, educational institutions, and approximate affected populations. Over one night, our team made an impressive 5,223 edits to map the previously unmapped Si Racha area.

Our final presentation was a success, followed by emotional reflections on our journeys. After a quick lunch, we headed to a travel destination for some shopping and wrapped up the day back at the hotel, saying bittersweet goodbyes to our fellows before our morning flight.

A Life-Changing Experience

Reflecting on these incredible nine days, I still feel deeply emotional. It wasn’t just about the joy of the experience but also the immense learning and personal growth. This fellowship was truly a dream come true. I vividly remember my first year of college when we were introduced to OpenStreetMap. While exploring further, I came across YouthMappers and their Leadership Fellowship. From that very moment, I aspired to be part of it. Fast forward four years, and here I am, writing about my own Leadership Fellowship experience. Life truly is amazing. When I look back to myself during my first year of college where we were introduced to OSM, I was deeply inspired by the richness of OSM datasets and their humanitarian purpose for the community. It stuck with me that this was something I never wanted to leave behind. Over the years, I have contributed to impactful humanitarian projects such as the Turkey-Syria mapping initiative and the Jajarkot earthquake response. These projects have made me feel like I’m physically present to help communities in need. To date, I’ve made an incredible 632,637 edits, each one shaping someone’s future somewhere in the world. This realization motivates me to continue contributing and making a difference. Also, thanks to my driving force for contribution that led me to the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024. This fellowship has taught me so much—more than I could have imagined. Overcoming language barriers and navigating cultural differences were challenging at times, but they also enriched the experience. As Silvana from SDG 11 wisely said, “We may not understand each other’s languages and cultures, but what we do understand is the language of cartography.” This quote resonates deeply with me and reminds me of the power of our shared purpose as mappers. Looking back, I realize how these lessons have shaped me. A conversation with Patricia stands out vividly—she shared that in life, we often search for what we lack by comparing ourselves to others, forgetting the treasures we already hold, that wisdom has stayed with me. This experience has also deepened my appreciation for the impact of mapping. Every edit we make shapes someone’s future somewhere on this planet. It’s not just about learning to edit—it’s about connecting with communities, fostering inclusivity, and leading with love and purpose. I aspire to pass on my knowledge to the next generation in the most inclusive and diverse way possible, working closely with communities and telling their stories through leadership. This dream opportunity has transformed me in ways I am indebted towards YouthMappers and our chapter Geomatics Engineering Students Association Nepal (GESAN) and will cherish forever. Thank you, YouthMappers, for making it all possible!