Rebecca Fletcher hopes to mingle with world leaders at a youth conference in the US. 29556 Picture: Luke Plummer
By Casey Neill
A BELGRAVE South 16-year-old is turning to the hills for help to achieve her dreams.
Mater Christi College student Rebecca Fletcher was invited to the Global Young Leaders Conference Congressional Youth Leadership Council in the US from 12 to 24 June.
“I’ll get to learn from some of the best political minds in the world,” she said. Her family has scraped together the US$2960 conference tuition fee, but Rebecca needs to raise $4000 for travel and expenses.
“It’s all part of the experience,” she said.
“I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to get it.”
Rebecca has several fundraisers on the go and has contacted local businesses for sponsorship.
Her vice-principal nominated her for the conference. She was shocked to be chosen.
The Youth Leadership Council selects high school students from more than 20 countries for the conference based on their academic record and leadership potential. Its aim is to improve their global perspective and leadership skills and provide an opportunity to meet national and international leaders.
Rebecca hopes to gain a better understanding of American politics and culture, particularly the world financial crisis and the country’s new president.
“I’ll get a feeling for what goes on in the world,” she said.
The conference will begin in Washington. Participants will then meet United Nations representatives in New York.
“That’s what I’m really looking forward to,” Rebecca said.
Rebecca volunteers with Interchange Outer East and has participated in several leadership programs.
She hopes to pursue a career in archaeology or writing.
“I’m not sure what I want to do yet,” she said.
“Experiences like this will open up my options.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor Rebecca can contact her mother Cassy on 9566 5210.
