By:Hector Flores
Sosnowski, 15, of Bellmore, was selected for this prestigious conference based on her PSAT scores and responses to a questionnaire she filled out before taking the exam. Questions included: What kind of college do you plan to attend and what do you want to study? What kind career would you like to have?
"I took an Advanced Placement class in world history this year," she said. "Once I get into college, I plan on studying philosophy or law. Eventually, I plan on becoming a military lawyer in the Navy."
The leadership conference, organized by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, is scheduled for July 11 to 22. The theme of this year's conference is "The Leaders of Tomorrow Preparing for the Global Challenges and Responsibilities of the Future."
Bret West, a council spokesman, said Sosnowski will meet with leaders and newsmakers who influence world politics, finance, culture and diplomacy. Additionally, she will follow a carefully designed curriculum that includes thought-provoking simulations to build leadership skills.
Mike Lasday, the conference's executive director, said, "The Global Young Leaders Conference aims to provide students like Amanda with the opportunity to collaborate with students from around the world to both study and resolve global conflict. When ideas and points of view are shared, the true results of the conference are realized."
The conference culminates with the Global Summit and Crisis Simulation, for which students take what they have learned and apply it to debates, mock negotiations and coalition-building exercises. Some issues that will be examined include foreign aid, global warming and cooperative efforts in space, terrorism and human rights.
Before the conference, Sosnowski must be aware of world events, have basic knowledge of world leaders, and select and familiarize herself with a world leader whom she admires. "We were advised to pick a leader by watching CNN or by reading newspaper editorials," she said. "When you get there, you'll be assigned a country and then debate about the global problems and possible solutions. I feel that my world history class will help me prepare for the debates and activities."
Sosnowski is closely examining the Iraq conflict, the effects of decolonization on African and Latin American countries, and China's one-child and forced sterilization policies.
Sosnowski's mother, Nancy, said "I am very proud of my daughter, and I think that this will be a good experience for her. It is important to be involved in world affairs and to examine ways to solve global problems. Not that many people have this opportunity, and this experience will definitely enrich her.
To raise the $2,500 needed for the conference, Sosnowski has held fund-raisers at the Bellmore Fire Department, where she is a junior firefighter, and at the Bellmore Presbyterian Church, where she is a youth elder.
Anyone interested in sponsoring Sosnowski can call (516) 804-2762.
