Gayathri is currently studying her BSc(Hons) BCIS at Gateway Graduate School, Sri Lanka. She recently attended the 21st International Youth Forum which was held from the 18th to the 25th of August, 2010. She received an invitation for this through her Girl Guides Association in Korea.

The International Youth Forum was set up to give young people from all over the world the opportunity to get together and share opinions on global issues.

Here is Gayathri’s write up on the event:

Over 130 participants from about 30 countries across the world participated at this international forum which focussed on getting together the youth to discuss social issues which were specified as World Population for Sustainable Development, Protection of Family Dignity and Public Health.

This was the best time of my life that I experienced yet; away from home and friends. This is a note of appreciation and love to all the new friends I made and to all those who would’ve enjoyed being there.

During the ten days, I learned that;

~ 136 different people can actually get along just fine

~ Friendships can also be formed by the type of music we listen to, how we like our foods cooked

~ Too many cooks spoil the soup? …NOT! It makes the soup tastier in so many levels!

~ 8 amazing roommates from 8 different countries can make the nights longer and the memories a little dizzy

~ Given a chance, the younger generation can erase the differences that the previous generations have placed upon them

~ It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, what you do, as long as you’ve got Facebook

~ Only when you reach home do you realise how much souvenirs are really worth

~ You’ll meet people that you may never meet again but the memories, words and feelings they left you with will always remain

~ You meet people in life that were the hardest to say goodbye to

~ Different people, coming from different backgrounds, followers of different religions, speaking in different languages. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are or where you’re from, friendship and compassion is the greatest love and strength that’ll hold you together.

Thank you Gayathri for your competition entry!

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