NAIS Pudong Young Leaders Arrive in Washington DC

21 June 2016

With an early morning flight to catch, the last thing the Global Young Leaders wanted was a heavy Monday morning downpour. The three students and accompanying teacher waded through the puddles as they gathered at the PAC to board the bus to Hongqiao Airport. Luckily, traffic was light and despite flooded highways and poor visibility we made it to the airport way before our departure time. Our fears of a flight delay were allayed as we boarded and departed as scheduled. In Beijing, our connecting flight also left right on time and we were all looking forward to the 13-hour flight to Washington DC with a mixture of anxiety and excitement.

Upon arrival our driver was waiting and we took the 30 minute ride to the hotel, savouring the summer sunshine, clear blue skies and Washington's lush green landscape. After a warm welcome from the GYLC staff, we completed the registration process and made way to our rooms. Dinner was served at 6.00pm, after which all scholars gathered for the GYLC Orientation.

In her "Gateway to Leadership" speech, Ms Zoe Tobun, the Envusion Experience Programne Lead, extended a warm welcome to all scholars and outlined the purpose of the 10-day conference. Ms Hanna Chamberlain, the Education Lead, explained the logistics of the programme and introduced the Faculty advisors that will run the four Leadership Group Meetings (LGMs). Our students Giorgio, Nian Yun and Jeonghun were allocated to the Turkey LGM. After the official speeches, the scholars were engaged in ice-breaker activities before splitting into their respective LGMs.

Tomorrow, they kick off with more LGM meetings before their first sightseeing trip to Capitol Hill in the afternoon.

Mr. Gichana