A Y12 Monmouth Comprehensive Student was fortunate enough to be one of three UK delegates sponsored by the Rotary Club to attend the World Affairs Seminar in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

The World Affairs Seminar brings together delegates from around the world to discuss a relevant global issue, which this year was peacebuilding.

Back in May, Holly secured a highly competitive Rotary sponsorship through a tough application process. Whilst at the seminar, she attended a wide range of presentations, panels and discussions.

These included guest speakers such as Maryam Durani, who won the 2012 International Women of Courage Award, and Chip Duncan, an expert on the Russia-Ukraine war, where Holly was able to have individual conversations with them. The seminar also included group presentations to all delegates and diplomacy simulations.

As Holly said, “the main focus of the seminar was peacebuilding, and over the seven days of the seminar there were peacebuilding diplomacy simulations, panels and presentations, including from prominent guest speakers, such as Maryam Durani.”

“On the last day of the seminar, I was nominated to be one of seven delegates to present to Rotarians and news reporters from across the state on my experience at the seminar, which was exciting!

“I am extremely grateful to Rotary for sponsoring me through this amazing opportunity, and I greatly appreciated my time at the seminar.”

The week-long Rotary Youth World Affairs Seminar is a unique programme for high school students from around the world.

A spokesperson for Rotary Monmouth said that each year, for the past five years, they have supported Monmouth students to attend this prestigious event.

““The quality of the applicants makes it a tough job to choose the winners.”

If you are a student currently in Years 11 or 12, watch out for your opportunity to apply when details of next year's seminar will be circulated through your Head of Sixth Form.