Somerset Lifetimes 2019 Semester 2

Conference YOUNG LEADERS’

OUR GLOBAL YOUNG LEADERS

“Not only were we able to learn from each other, we were given the amazing opportunity to not only interact with, but to learn from subject matter experts such as members of the US State Department, diplomats of various countries, business leaders, Human Right Advocators and respected academicians. Hearing from such successful yet passionate individuals sparked motivation in us, as the ‘global young leaders’, to pave the way for our future. “Overall, although this experience has exposed me to an abundance of knowledge and education, I am most appreciative of the valued friendships I have gained. The people that I have encountered have been influential in helping shape myself further into the person I strive to become. These unforgettable friendships will be cherished.” “The Global Young Leaders Conference was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I learnt a great deal about so many different countries and cultures. Going into GYLC, I was a bit nervous, I was unsure about the work load (as our schedule was jam-packed) and the level of intelligence of fellow scholars. “Every day I learnt new things about people, culture, politics that I never knew. It was interesting to compare with other scholars what was different about our lives. I left the conference a little exhausted with what I felt was a lifetime’s worth of knowledge given to me in 10 days.” Desmond Chuah, Year 11 Student

In our 53 rd Edition of Lifetimes we learnt of our six brave Year 11 and 12s who were chosen to attend the Envision Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in the United States over 10 days. Here we read their reflections after experiencing this remarkable opportunity. “We listened to multiple different speakers from different aspects of leadership including members of the US State Department, Public Diplomacy as well as different Country Embassies. Not only did I learn about both national and global politics, I also had the opportunity to witness these inner workings of leadership and develop public speaking, conversational and organisational skills. Additionally, we were able to also experience life in both Washington and New York and saw attractions such as Times Square as well as landmarks such as the Lincoln memorial.”

Mohnish Chand – Year 11 Student

Kristen Crasto, Year 12 Student

Young Leaders’ Conference 16