We were delighted that once again, two of our Sixth Form students received funding from the International Rotary Club to attend the annual World Affairs Seminar in the United States.

This annual conference gave Nahila and Emily the experience of working alongside their peers from around the world to solve problems, negotiate results and create a vision for the future. 

This year the theme was the ‘The Promise and Perils of Social Media’ and as Nahila explained, “Throughout the week, we heard from a series of keynote speakers, including activists, futurists, data analysists and many more.

“One thing we particularly enjoyed was learning how this subject connected with other topics such as extremism, politics and human behaviour.

“Most of the time, we were in a magnificent lecture hall with the other 300 delegates, which was much like a university-style experience.  

“We also had breakout sessions and activities. In one, we given the role of a company or a country facing a global challenge, and we had to work with other groups to issue statements and come to a final solution. This gave me an insight into how countries and companies work together to solve issues.  

“This opportunity has also opened my eyes to the wider world and allowed me to learn not just about social media, but also how to overcome cultural differences.

“I would also like to think this experience has given me the confidence to do more in life. Just as I know that many of the delegates I worked with, will do something to make the world a better place, I hope to do the same.”