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SALT LAKE CITY — Teenagers that have grown up worlds apart are building new bridges of friendship in Utah. Ten Iraqi students are staying with their American peers in Salt Lake City this month as part of a cultural exchange, and are working on a beautification project under I-15.
The Iraqi teens grew up with war all around them. The American teens enjoyed relative security. The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program lets them learn more about each other, break down stereotypes, and make new friends. Tuesday, they worked together on a community mural called "Bridges Over Barriers."
"They changed their perspective about us," said Rana, and 18-year-old from Northern Iraq. "And we changed our perspective about them."
"We're going to get the chance to change the whole world, not just our country," she said.
Rana grew up in the fear of a war-torn country, but aspires to be the first female Iraqi president some day. Talk to her for five minutes, and you'll believe it's possible.
"I've been through war, bad things, and I'm standing here, Happy, smiling," she said.
"They're very strong people, very determined. And these kids are so open-minded and so outgoing," said Jordan Ruga, a Rowland Hall Graduate.
The Iraqi and Salt Lake teens joined forces on painting a mural that focuses on bridging cultural barriers.
"Just the opportunity to connect and really understand where these kids are coming from and how they really are is important," Jordan said.
The collaboration between the [Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy](<http://www.utahdiplomacy.org/ target=_blank>) and the Iraqi Young Leaders lets them explore youth leadership, civic activism, and peace building.
"Hearing things face to face is very powerful," Jordan said.
It also changes their attitudes. Rana arrived here thinking Americans only cared about "drugs, sex, violence, and I changed my ideas completely." She discovered more similarities than differences, and plans to spread the word at home.
"I've changed my perspective about people and the way they live, because we're all humans," she said.
The Iraqi students stay with local host-families to experience day-to-day life. They will also visit the Utah State Legislature and go to a Real Salt Lake soccer game and Lagoon for some fun.
