Port Macquarie student Nicola Di Bona will be among a delegation of youth leaders attending the United Nations in January 2020.
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Nicola is also delegate of NSW's 2019 Youth Parliament which she credits for her acceptance into the United Nations trip. Before she jets off, Nicola will sit her Higher School Certificate.
"I am one of only 16 students in Australia who were accepted to go on the Evolution of Diplomacy United Nations Youth Delegation to Europe next January and it feels pretty surreal to even think about," Nicola said.
"I applied last year and didn't even get a look in, but I applied in March again, and then got to the next round and then in the final round I was interviewed by a representative from the UN, and now I am gong to Europe.
"I think I am still in shock because all the rich, private school students enter and to know my essays and application stands up to theirs really does show that it doesn't matter where you live if you have the passion and determination to do something you can get there."
The trip is from December 31, 2019 to February 1, 2020 and Nicola said she will be visiting a host of countries and meeting with leaders all over Europe.
"The itinerary is amazing, we will be going to Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Krakow, Budapest, Brussels and the Hague," she said.
"As a student of history think I am most excited about going to Berlin to see the Wall and Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland will be something else.
"The focus of the trip is seeing first-hand the evolution of diplomacy and democracy and we will be visiting historical sites and learning so much more than you could ever do reading books.
"We will be meeting with leaders of organisations and charities from all over Europe and having conversations with people who work at the United Nations."
Nicola said the trip will also enhance the advocacy work she is doing at home helping survivors of sexual assault.
"I am launching my sexual assault organisation Chayah and I have some big plans around that.
"Life after a sexual assault for so many victims can be incredibly overwhelming and Chayah is a place people can come to seek help.
"Without resources and options for assistance lasting trauma haunts survivors which is an unnecessary burden on top of the experience of assault.
"Chayah means life and living prosperously and that is what I hope can be achieved by with organisation.
"I think this trip will open so many doors to make some great contacts who are working in grassroots organisations and give me a wider perspective on what I can achieve."
To support Nicola as she launches Chayah consider heading to the Glasshouse at 5.30pm on June 29. For tickets click here.
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