Since her experience at The Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC), the premier leadership development program for accomplished students, Kingsway Academy student K'Shonique Adderley says she is now equipped with leadership ability, cross cultural communication, goal setting, decision making and conflict resolution skills.

K'Shonique was just one of many Kingsway Academy students who have participated in GYLC, which is held every summer in three countries - China, Europe and the United States - and is a conference that provides students with an educational experience and an intentional curriculum, where they are given the opportunity to work with other student leaders from 145 countries around the world. Participants receive instruction from experts from diverse cultures and backgrounds; they share ideas with some of the world's top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, journalists and diplomats who seek to equip the students with the confidence, independence, skills and global competitiveness required of the next generation of future leaders.

"I truly believe that GYLC is a catalyst to exploring exciting career possibilities and leadership roles on a global scale," she said. "There were games for self-discovery and activities to stretch beyond my comfort zone. I now realize that I have to keep learning and growing [and] I need to be prepared to compete and cooperate beyond the national level [as] the world is my platform."

Her schoolmate, Carl Scavella, who also attended the conference, described it as a rewarding and educational experience.

"I had priceless opportunities to meet outstanding speakers, explore international career options, visit historical sites, increase my knowledge of global issues and expand my global thinking," said Scavella. "Having roommates from Zimbabwe, Canada, Trinidad and the United Kingdom pushed me beyond myself and forced me to reach out. We would spend time just sharing about our cultures and experiences and ideas. I definitely learned to respect others and appreciate different personalities."

Since 2002, Kingsway Academy has sent 26 student ambassadors to GYLC. Eleven of the students have been recognized as Envision Distinguish Alumni. GYLC representatives recognized Kingsway as an institution dedicated to fostering global citizenship and promoting respect through cultural exchange. Kingsway Academy was presented with the 2014 Global Education Leader Award.

The GYLC Envision program prepares students to make the most of high school, college and career opportunities. It allows them to participate in simulated exercises that mirror real-world challenges. Emphasis is placed on ethics, global mindedness, public speaking and leadership, and practical experience is afforded in engineering and technology, business and innovation, digital broadcast and media, advanced medicine and health care, and intensive law and trial. Students also engage in fun activities and grow a lifetime network of new friends and acquaintances from around the world.

Upon her daughter's return, K'Shonique's mother, Karen Adderley admitted to feeling apprehensive about sending her daughter away for 10 days, however, after consulting with several educators, she decided to embrace the opportunity. She said it was a decision she did not regret as she was able to see the growth and maturity in K'Shonique upon her return after she had to live with three students from different countries. Adderley was further impressed that her daughter took the initiative to share her Christian faith with her counterparts. "This is why we train them throughout their lives -- for moments like these when they can be confident, independent and defend their positions and choices," she said.

"My husband helped me to realize that this was training ground for college," said Renee Scavella. She believes that the site visits to embassy houses, government offices and business establishments along with the group projects and reading propelled Carl to become more self-aware and global minded. "I see it as more than a sacrifice. It was an investment into my child's life and future," she said.

Students earned college credits and a pool of knowledge. They also gained a network of mentors and friends. For more information visit www.envisionexperience.com and explore the possibilities.

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