Year 11 student Alex shares a letter to his future self, reflecting on how the 2026 Global Leaders Experience will continue to shape him long after he returns home.
Dear future self,
I begin this letter by expressing my gratitude for the amazing opportunity that was the 2026 GLE trip where I was able to grow as a person and develop key leadership skills that set me up for a lifetime of success.
I am very fortunate to be at a school that not only allows me the opportunity to develop but rather fosters an environment where everyone is comfortable putting their best foot forward. This idea was certainly seen on the trip.
So, as my future self, remember that it’s okay to put yourself out there. The GLE trip taught me that this is an essential step for learning. The trip further taught me the importance of networking however it’s important to note that the best networkers embody the best skills- most importantly people skills. Without this, it’s difficult to progress in life. What I want to remember is our discussion with Ambassador Campbell. He explained that the best leaders are those who set up a foundation of people skills early in their life in which allow them to constantly build on these skills to become the “natural born leader” that people will observe later in life.
In other words, don’t wait until later in life to become a leader, set the foundation of people skills now. It’s worth it. At this point in my life I feel as though I have been able to develop my people skills which I believe is conveyed through my confidence in conversation and communication. As my future self, I hope to feel as though I am ahead of the game as I have started to be a personable character that is empathetic and caring. It’s important to also remember the fun you had on the trip. The fun that was had through being a global leader. Don’t forget that across the globe there is an abundance of opportunity and certainly always a place to lead. So, make the most of this. Throughout the trip I also learnt that there is a lot of work to be done with the global issues that surround refugees.
The fact is, the world needs leaders. I aspire to be someone who can make positive change. Hopefully even on a global scale. To my future self, I have learnt that leadership begins long before you are given a title. It starts with having the courage to put yourself out there and building genuine relationships by developing strong people skills. And most importantly, embrace every opportunity to learn. I hope I carry these values into the life ahead of me.
