Nervously fumbling with my fingers I spelt my name out to a faculty advisor to enrol in a program which was to become the most intriguing and productive eleven days of my life. Just a few months before, I had brought a letter home to my parents explaining that I was going to be flying to Washington DC to take part in a unique leadership development program that brings students from every corner of the world together to build critical leadership skills in a global context. Already I felt like a diplomat, floating in a sea of people with different accents, cultures and appearances.

I was assigned, along with twenty-one others, to represent China in the conference – a country I previously knew very little about. After initial `ice-breaker´ activities, we soon began collating our ideas and learning from each other. We debated a wide range of issues, ranging from terrorism and nuclear warfare to trade and technology. I was voted to be the Chinese Foreign Minister in the simulation of a Security Council meeting; my aim being to present a resolution to a particular conflict in a positive way for China. I gained confidence in myself by persuading other country representatives to vote for our resolution, and I actively addressed the council many times whenever our resolution

was not supported. Despite the seriousness of the conference, it was also very entertaining. China frequently received edible bribes from Russia in exchange for support for their resolutions; however backstabbing and blackmail was frequent – an occurrence I feel mirrors many real life situations.

Not only did we learn from each other, but we also had recurring opportunities to meet and converse with people already with important leadership roles. Professor Gary Weaver, from the School of International Service, American University, was our first speaker. He specialised in international communication, and opened our eyes to the complex and multilateral nature of culture. This, I feel, was a fundamental lecture to our leadership development, as the very connotation of `global leader´ exemplifies a universal commitment and comprehension. We also listened to a speaker from the Department of State, the World Bank, lawyers, journalists, top busine directors and even United Nations ss

representatives (Mr. Ramu Damodaran, for example). There were also various opportunities to ask questions and exchange opinions with these powerful people. One speaker that emotionally touched me was Mr Kimmie Weeks, the director of a charitable organisation called `Youth Action International´. He shared with us his life experiences in a war-struck area, something which I knew existed but could never really grasp. By hearing first hand the suffering and injustice prevalent in places such as Liberia, I was almost brought to tears. It was the first time I really understood what warfare meant, and how different it is in real life than reading about it in a newspaper whilst eating breakfast.

Sightseeing was also a large sector of the program. In Washington I visited the White House, museums including the Holocaust museum, the council on American-Islamic relations, the World Bank and Department of State, the Hungarian embassy and various war and peace memorials. On day seven we stopped in Philadelphia (the birthplace of the United States´ democracy) on our way to New York and saw the famous `Bell of Independence´.

It did not stop there – in New York I visited the Federal Reserve Bank and even had the opportunity to see their vault; home to stacks and stacks of pure glowing gold all from different countries. It was also possible to see the Empire State Building or visit Ellis Island, for example. We really did get a slice of the `Big Apple´!

Although based around Leadership group meetings, commission meetings and `homework´(yes – homework!), I thoroughly enjoyed myself and had such a great time at the conference. I have met some amazing, unique people and only by attending GYLC have I become so aware. We held a couple of parties, a dinner cruise and had many opportunities for some `retail therapy´ (shopping) as well. I have learnt many things in my life time, both at school and at home, but the things I experienced in GYLC will stick with me forever.

Louise Edwards